Final answer:
The most common type of cancer is skin cancer, specifically basal cell carcinoma, which accounts for 40% of all new cancer cases. Prostate cancer in males and breast cancer in females are also very common, each constituting about a third of all cancers in their respective genders, followed by lung cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common type of cancer is skin cancer, with basal cell carcinoma being the most prevalent. Basal cell carcinoma accounts for about 40% of all new cancer cases each year in the United States. Other common types include prostate cancer in males and breast cancer in females, which roughly comprise one third of all cancer cases within their respective genders. In both males and females, lung cancer is the second most common type. While these cancers are less common than skin cancer, they are responsible for the majority of cancer deaths, with lung cancer being the leading cause of cancer mortality.
During discussions or tests around the topic of cancer, it's important to note that the prevalence of specific cancer types can greatly vary by gender. Additionally, age is a significant factor; cancer is more frequently diagnosed in adults, particularly those over the age of 50.