The Most Common Cancers in California

Californians have a lower overall cancer rate than the average for the United States. Still, it’s important to know which are the most common cancers in California so you can take steps to prevent them.

Amanda Wheeler, M.D., a cancer surgeon with Sutter, shares tips for lowering your risks for the leading cancers in our state. 

Breast Cancer

124.0 cases per 100,000 in California

What you can do: Routine mammograms are crucial for detecting breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable. “Screening helps with early identification,” Wheeler says.

It’s also important to maintain a healthy body weight, especially during and after menopause. Women tend to gain weight with menopause and that increases the risk of breast cancer. 

Prostate Cancer

98.6 cases per 100,000 in California

What you can do: Have your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) measured. “The main risk factor for prostate cancer is age,” Wheeler says. Risk rises sharply after age 50, and 60% of cases occur in men over 65. Risk of both prostate cancer and death from prostate cancer is highest in African American and Caribbean men, and men of African ancestry. 

Lung Cancer

36.7 cases per 100,000 in California

“Lung cancer is less common than breast or prostate, but we’re definitely worried about lung cancer, because more people die of lung cancer,” Wheeler says. “Specifically in Lakeside, we have one of the highest rates of lung cancer, and it’s related to smoking.”

What you can do: If you have a history of smoking or you’re at higher risk for lung cancer, talk to your doctor about screening. A low-dose CT scan can screen for signs of lung cancer. “Our lung nodule screening program uses AI that is specifically designed to catch lung cancer,” Wheeler says. 

Colorectal Cancer

33.5 cases per 100,000 in California

What you can do: Stay on top of screenings. “We’re identifying people with colorectal cancer at much earlier ages,” Wheeler says. “Most cases occur in people 50 and over, but incidence in younger adults is rising.”

Colonoscopy is recommended every 10 years, starting at age 45, for people at average risk. During a colonoscopy, surgeons can remove polyps and check for early signs of cancer. Other colorectal cancer screening alternatives, like the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), are also options. But colonoscopy remains the gold standard for detection and prevention.

Cancer Prevention Tips

There are steps you can take to lower your risk of developing cancer and not only the ones listed here.  

“If we could do one intervention to the American population, it would be improved education on healthy diet, exercise, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol,” Wheeler says.  

She recommends:

• A diet that’s high in fruits, vegetables and fiber, and low in red meat and processed meat
• Getting 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week
• Not smoking
• Reducing or avoiding alcohol
• Strength training

However, she points out that many people get cancer even though they have a healthy diet and lifestyle. “If you get cancer, it doesn’t mean you didn’t take care of your body,” Wheeler says.

Stay on Top of Screenings

Screenings are crucial, since they can catch signs of cancer early, when it’s often more curable and there are more options for treatment.

If you have close relatives who have cancer, your healthcare provider may recommend screening at a younger age or more frequently. They may also suggest genetic testing to evaluate your risk.