What is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the US?

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. The reason for this is primarily related to a combination of factors including high incidence rates and the aggressive nature of the disease. Lung cancer often presents at an advanced stage due to its asymptomatic early course, which limits the effectiveness of early detection and treatment. Additionally, the strong association between lung cancer and smoking contributes significantly to the high mortality rate, as smoking is a major risk factor for developing this type of cancer.

In contrast, while colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer are significant contributors to overall cancer incidence and mortality, they do not surpass lung cancer in terms of the number of deaths attributed to cancer each year. Overall, understanding the prevalence and risk factors associated with lung cancer is crucial for both prevention strategies and improving outcomes through early detection and treatment.