Cancer is a large group of diseases that can start in almost any organ or tissue of the body when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, and go beyond their usual boundaries to invade adjoining parts of the body. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is the second most common cause of death globally, accounting for millions of deaths every year. Lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach and liver cancer are the most common types of cancer in men, while breast, colorectal, lung, cervical and thyroid cancer are the most common among women. However, these are not necessarily the deadliest forms of cancer.

What makes cancer the deadliest depends upon how many people have it and what percentage of those people actually survive. Cancer researchers determine this on the basis of five-year relative survival. This is the percentage of people who are expected to survive the effects of a given cancer, excluding their risk of other possible causes of death, for five years past a diagnosis. It is also important to note that what makes cancer really deadly is that practically no cure for it. A cure for cancer would imply that there are no cancerous cells remaining in the body.

Here are the 5 deadliest cancers in the U.S., according to SEER five-year relative survival data for cases diagnosed between 2014 and 2020.

1. Pancreatic cancer occurs when cells in your pancreas, a gland in your abdomen that aids digestion, mutate and multiply out of control, forming a tumour. Major risk factors include smoking, obesity, diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, certain genetic mutations and environmental chemical exposure.

2. Esophageal cancer develops in the oesophagus, which is the tube that connects your throat to your stomach.

3. Liver cancer and intrahepatic bile duct cancer originate in the liver or bile ducts, often linked to hepatitis infections, heavy alcohol use, obesity, and aflatoxin exposure.

4. Lung and bronchus cancer primarily caused by smoking, secondhand smoke, and environmental pollutants, affects the lungs and airways, making it the leading cause of cancer death in the US.

5. Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is an aggressive blood and bone marrow cancer that progresses rapidly, often linked to genetic mutations, radiation exposure, and certain chemicals.

ALSO READ: Why Are Lifestyle Factors Making Millennials Vulnerable To Cancer?

Lili Reinhart has shared that she has been diagnosed with endometriosis. The Riverdale actor spoke about her experience on Instagram, explaining that the diagnosis came after she underwent laparoscopic surgery.

Reinhart wrote that last year she consulted a urogynecologist and was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis, a condition she was told has no cure and offers little long-term relief. She described multiple hospital visits and appointments with different urologists and gynaecologists, noting that none of them seriously explored endometriosis as a possible cause of her symptoms during that time.

Lili Reinhart Diagnosed with Endometriosis After Doctors Dismissed Her Pain

Lili Reinhart has said she was finally diagnosed with endometriosis after months of feeling unheard by doctors.

On Thursday, December 11, the Riverdale star shared images from her hospital stay on Instagram, including photos of her abdomen following laparoscopic surgery. The 29 year old revealed that she received her endometriosis diagnosis last week. The condition occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, often leading to severe cramps and long term pelvic pain.

In her post, Reinhart explained that last year she visited a urogynecologist and was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis. She was told there was no cure and little chance of lasting relief. She recalled three hospital visits and appointments with several urologists and gynecologists, none of whom seriously looked at endometriosis as the possible cause of her symptoms.

She added that it was only after working with two pelvic floor therapists that endometriosis was even raised as a potential reason for her pain. Reinhart said she then requested an MRI herself, which led to a diagnosis of adenomyosis, a form of endometriosis that affects the uterus.

She went on to share that while an endometriosis specialist supported her decision to undergo laparoscopic surgery, another gynecologist dismissed the possibility of endometriosis and suggested she simply start birth control pills instead.

Lili Reinhart: What Is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus begins to grow outside the uterus. These growths most commonly affect the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue lining the pelvis. In rare cases, the tissue may spread beyond the pelvic organs.

Like the uterine lining, this misplaced tissue responds to hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. It thickens, breaks down, and bleeds each month. However, because it has no way to exit the body, it can lead to inflammation and irritation in surrounding areas. When the ovaries are involved, fluid filled cysts known as endometriomas can develop. Over time, scar tissue and fibrous bands called adhesions may form, causing pelvic organs to stick together.

Lili Reinhart Endometriosis: Symptoms You Should Know

Pelvic pain is the most common symptom of endometriosis and is often linked to menstruation. While period cramps are common, people with endometriosis usually report pain that is more intense than usual and tends to worsen over time.

Common symptoms include:

• Painful periods: Cramping and pelvic pain may begin before menstruation and continue for several days. Lower back and abdominal pain are also common. This is known as dysmenorrhea.
• Pain during or after sex: Discomfort with intercourse is frequently reported.
• Pain during bowel movements or urination: These symptoms are more likely to occur just before or during periods.
• Heavy or irregular bleeding: This may include very heavy periods or bleeding between cycles.
• Infertility: In some cases, endometriosis is only discovered during investigations for difficulty conceiving.
• Other symptoms: Fatigue, bloating, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation, particularly around menstruation.

The intensity of pain does not always reflect how advanced the condition is. Some people experience severe pain with minimal tissue growth, while others may have extensive endometriosis with little or no discomfort.

King Charles has delivered what he described as “good news” about his cancer, saying that early detection and timely treatment mean his care can now be scaled back in the coming year.

In a recorded message aired on Channel 4 as part of the Stand Up To Cancer appeal, the King spoke openly about his experience. “This moment feels both deeply personal and a reflection of how far cancer treatment has come,” he said, pointing to advances in care that have shaped his recovery.

It is the most detailed update on his condition since he publicly confirmed his diagnosis in February 2024.

King Charles's Cancer: What Kind Of Cancer Does King Charles Have?

The Palace has not disclosed the specific type of cancer, and officials have said treatment and monitoring will continue. What has been confirmed is that the King’s progress has been strong. Buckingham Palace said he has responded “exceptionally well” and has now entered what doctors describe as a precautionary phase of care.

As a result, the frequency of his treatment will be significantly reduced. However, the King, who is 77, has not been described as being cured or in remission.

“Thanks to early diagnosis, effective intervention and following my doctors’ advice, my treatment schedule can be reduced in the new year,” he said in his address.

The video, recorded at Clarence House two weeks earlier, was broadcast during Friday night’s Stand Up To Cancer programme, a fundraising initiative supported by Cancer Research UK.

The campaign aims to encourage people to come forward for testing and use national screening programmes. In his message, the King stressed how vital early checks can be.

He reflected on the emotional weight of a diagnosis, saying it can feel overwhelming. At the same time, he underlined that catching cancer early can change outcomes by giving doctors more time and options. “Early detection can save lives,” he said. “It may save your life, or the life of someone you love.”

King Charles's Health Update

On January 17, 2024, Buckingham Palace announced that the King would undergo a corrective procedure for a benign enlarged prostate, a common condition associated with ageing. He was advised to take a short period of rest following the treatment.

The procedure took place at the London Clinic private hospital on January 26, and he was discharged three days later, on January 29.

Dr Otis Brawley, a professor of oncology and associate director of outreach and engagement at the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, told TODAY.com that benign prostate enlargement is a frequent and non-cancerous condition seen in older men.

What Is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate begin to grow and divide in an uncontrolled way. The prostate is a small gland in the male reproductive system that produces seminal fluid and sits just below the bladder, as per Mayo Clinic.

In many cases, the disease progresses slowly and may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. When it advances or spreads to other parts of the body, it can lead to urinary problems such as frequent urination, a weak or burning stream, erectile difficulties, and pain in the lower back or hips. Diagnosis usually involves PSA blood tests and tissue biopsies, and the majority of cases are adenocarcinomas that respond well to treatment when caught in time.

Quartz counters have become a staple in modern homes, helped by an eightfold jump in US imports and a reputation for durability, heat resistance and a polished, stone-like finish. Yet the growing demand has put a spotlight on the health risks faced by the people who cut and shape these slabs.

This week, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued an alert about silicosis, a progressive and incurable lung condition. Officials confirmed the first known case in the state among a worker in the stone countertop fabrication trade.

What Is Silicosis?

Silicosis is a long-term lung condition that develops when a person repeatedly inhales tiny particles of crystalline silica found in materials such as sand, stone and quartz. These particles irritate the lungs and cause lasting scarring that makes it harder to breathe as the disease progresses. It is most often seen in jobs such as mining, construction and sandblasting.

There is no cure, though it can be avoided with proper safety controls. Common signs include a lingering cough, breathlessness, tiredness and a higher risk of infections such as tuberculosis.

Super Flu-Style Spike in Silicosis Cases Among Fabricators

Silicosis was once linked largely to mining and heavy construction. Today, it is increasingly seen among workers handling engineered stone, which carries far higher silica levels than natural options such as granite or marble. The American Lung Association estimates that about 2.3 million workers nationwide are exposed to silica dust in their jobs.

The illness develops when microscopic crystalline silica particles are inhaled during dry cutting, polishing or grinding. Early signs often include a persistent cough, mucus, breathlessness, fatigue, chest discomfort and swelling in the legs.

There is no cure. While symptoms can be managed, the condition can advance over time and raise the risk of lung cancer, tuberculosis and fatal complications. Massachusetts officials said the affected worker, a Hispanic man in his forties, had spent 14 years fabricating and installing stone countertops. The first US case connected to engineered stone was reported in Texas in 2015.

Growing Evidence From Across the Country

A 2023 investigation in California identified 52 workers with silicosis tied to quartz fabrication. Twenty had severe disease, and ten died before the research was completed. Despite the seriousness, quartz has not been banned. Instead, public health leaders are calling for stronger safety measures.

“This case is a tragic reminder that silicosis is not a far-off concern. It is present and harming workers here in Massachusetts,” said Emily H. Sparer-Fine, who leads the state’s Occupational Health Surveillance Program. She added that everyone in the supply chain has a role to play, including choosing materials with lower silica content.

Proposed protective steps include improved ventilation and routine medical checks for workers.

Why Regulators Are Sounding the Alarm

“Our study raises an urgent warning,” said Dr. Sheiphali Gandhi, a pulmonologist with UC San Francisco and a co-author of the California report. “Unless action is taken now, we may see hundreds or even thousands of additional cases. Even with immediate change, new cases will continue to appear because silicosis develops slowly.”

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration set two national standards for respirable crystalline silica in 2016, capping workplace exposure at 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air over an eight-hour shift. Yet inspections in California in 2019 and 2020 showed that roughly 72 percent of the state’s 808 fabrication shops were likely not meeting these requirements, placing many workers at risk.

California has since adopted emergency silica rules, which became permanent in late 2024.