How common is it to be afraid of getting cancer?

Of course...: ....Especially if you have gone through the sad experience of seeing a loved one suffer and die of it, but it should be awareness, not fear. Do your best to live healthy and get your screenings on time. It will not protect you against all cancers but uncertainty is the fabric of existence. Have a nice stroll by the riverwalk and enjoy the gift of life. You can't live in fear.

Universal: And rightly so. If this become a crippling fear, talk with your physician. Especially, learn about cancer, that you can reduce but not eliminate your risk, that 4 of 6 are now cured (up from 2 of 6 when I was a kid), and generally get familiar.