Final answer:
The three deadliest forms of cancer in the United States are lung cancer, breast cancer in females, and prostate cancer in males, with lung cancer being the leading cause of cancer deaths due to its association with tobacco smoking.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 3 Deadliest Forms of Cancer in the United States
When discussing the deadliest forms of cancer, it's important to distinguish between the most common types and those that result in the highest mortality. While basal cell carcinoma is common, it is not one of the deadliest. The three types of cancer that cause the most deaths in the United States are lung cancer, breast cancer (in females), and prostate cancer (in males). Lung cancer is particularly lethal, with approximately 31% of all cancer deaths attributed to it. This high mortality rate is largely due to the prevalence of tobacco smoking, which is a primary risk factor. Breast and prostate cancers follow, with significant death rates at 15% and 10% respectively, across the population. These statistics highlight the importance of early detection and lifestyle factors in the prognosis of these diseases.