LONDON, England (CNN) -- There are around 200 known types of cancers. Some are far more widespread than others.





Australian Professor Ian Frazer has developed a vaccine to prevent cervical cancer and is working on a vaccine for skin cancer.





Cancer researchers are making significant breakthroughs in unlocking the complete genetic makeup of many common cancers.





Through extensive studies and research, they are understanding exactly how the rogue cells differ from normal cells, and modifying treatments so they work on just the cancer cells.





We take a look at some of the most common types of cancers plus some possible causes, treatments and developments.





Lung Cancer  Lung cancer develops when cells of the lungs divide and grow in an uncontrolled manner.





There are two types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). The latter is more likely to spread further in the body in its early stages.





Lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, with 1.2 million new cases every year.





Nearly all lung cancers arise because of smoking and men have always been more affected by lung cancer than women. However, a rise in female smoking worldwide has started reversing the trend.





Treatments





Not all lung-cancer patients are suitable for surgery. Surgery on non-small cell lung cancers is more common than in small cell lung cancer, but can still only happen in a minority of cases.





Other options are radio therapy and chemotherapy.





Developments





In December 2008, scientists pinpointed a gene that protects against lung cancer. It is hoped the discovery of the role of the tumor suppressor gene -- LIMD1 -- may lead to new treatments and techniques to pick up the disease earlier. The disease is often not picked up until it has reached an advanced stage and many patients die within a year of being diagnosed.





Skin Cancer  Skin cancer is a malignant growth on the skin. It generally develops in the outermost layer of skin, so a tumor is usually clearly visible and easier to detect than most other cancers. Skin cancer is the most diagnosed form of the disease, surpassing lung, breast, colorectal and prostate cancer.





Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that usually starts within a mole or a dark spot on the skin. If found early, simple surgical treatment works well and usually leads to a cure, the British Medical Journal advises.





However they can spread quickly and are responsible for the majority of skin-cancer-related deaths.





It's not entirely clear why skin cancers develop, but according to the U.S. National Institute of Health,  UV radiation from the sun is the main cause.





UV radiation is particularly harmful for children and teenagers and even a short exposure can lead to skin cancer much later in life.





Diagnosis and Treatment  Diagnosis is made with a skin biopsy, under local anesthetic with an injection. Treatment depends on the circumstances of the cancer and the patient; including age, type of cancer and location. Treatments can include, amongst others, radiotherapy (radiation), chemotherapy (pills) and surgery.





Developments  Scientists have recently conducted experiments on "immune-priming,"-- using the patients' own immune systems to fight the skin cancer. This therapy is still relatively new, but has been shown to boost the immune system and thereby attack skin cancers and viruses.





The Australian scientist who developed a vaccine for cervical cancer, Ian Frazer, told Australia's Medical Research Congress in November 2008 that he is working on a skin cancer vaccine that could be available within a decade.





Breast Cancer





Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the breast tissue, leading to damage to the cells' DNA. This results in cell division and growth and eventually leads to the formation of a lump.





The malignant cells can then invade other organs where metastases (secondary lumps) may form.





Breast cancer is the most common in women, affecting one in nine women at some point in their lives.





The World Health Organization states that breast cancer is the fifth most common
What do projections say? What is the current leading cause of death?
a skin cancer vaccine that could be available within a decade. Lung cancer
question: What do projections say?, answer: a skin cancer vaccine that could be available within a decade. | question: What is the current leading cause of death?, answer: Lung cancer