NEW cancer cases worldwide could rise 61 per cent by 2050, warn scientists – despite more than four in 10 deaths being preventable.
Spotting cancer at an early stage remains vital as it means treatment is more likely to be successful.
Cancer cases and deaths are set to soar by 2025[/caption]
A new study published in the Lancet medical journal found the number of new cancer cases in 2050 is forecast to be 30.5 million, up 61 per cent from 19 million in 2024.
Researchers say this is mostly driven by population growth and an increasingly ageing population.
Meanwhile, the annual global cancer death toll is forecast to increase by nearly 75 per cent to 18.6 million.
But the researchers suggest 42 per cent of cancer deaths globally are linked to areas that could be modified, including smoking, unhealthy diets, high blood sugar and exposure to toxins.
They add while global rates for cancer deaths – when adjusted for age – have decreased, this is not the case for some low and middle-income countries.
Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, said: “The number of cancer cases and deaths are rising globally, and that trend is reflected here in the UK where there are nearly 1,100 new cases every day.
“To save more lives from cancer, we need a greater international focus on prevention, including HPV vaccination and tobacco control.
“Smoking remains the leading cause of cancer and death in the UK, which is why passing the Tobacco and Vapes Bill must be a top priority.
“The UK Government’s upcoming National Cancer Plan for England is also a vital opportunity to provide the NHS with the funding, staff and resources needed to ensure cancer patients are diagnosed earlier and treated on time, no matter where they live.”
At the moment, the UK focuses on the prevention of cancer with widespread HPV vaccination for children, national screening programmes for bowel, breast and cervical cancer, and public health campaigns against obesity and alcohol consumption, which are some of the biggest risk factors for cancer.
Being aware of cancer symptoms yourself is also important as it can lead to improved survival rates.
But many of the signs are subtle, are easily attributed to other causes, or occur later in the disease.
We’ve pulled together nine of the hardest to spot symptoms below…
SWEATING A LOT (PARTICULARLY AT NIGHT)
Excessive sweating at night could be a sign of lymphoma or leukaemia[/caption]
It’s normal to sweat during the night if the room or your bedding is making you too hot.
But excessive sweating that leads to your bedding being drenched could be a sign of lymphoma or leukaemia.
Leukaemia Care says it’s important to visit your GP if you regularly have night sweats that wake you up at night.
Many describe the feeling as if they had just got out of a swimming pool and laid down in bed.
Also see your doctor if you’ve never experienced night sweats before, you’re having severe night sweats but can’t work out why, you also have a fever, a cough or diarrhoea, or you’re experiencing unexplained weight loss alongside your night sweats.
FEELING MORE TIRED THAN USUAL
Persistent fatigue can be a sign of blood cancers[/caption]
Feeling more tired than usual can be normal, especially during periods of high stress, poor sleep, or significant life changes.
But persistent fatigue beyond a week or two is not normal and warrant’s a doctor’s visit.
Feeling more tired than usual can signal cancer, particularly blood cancers like leukaemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, which impair the body’s ability to produce red blood cells, leading to anaemia and lack of oxygen
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust says cancer-related fatigue is an overwhelming and persistent exhaustion that can’t be relieved by rest or sleep, unlike every-day tiredness.
NEEDING TO PEE MORE OFTEN
Urinating more often could signal bladder cancer[/caption]
Needing to urinated more often than usual isn’t always a sign of a serious problem and can be normal.
But if it cannot be explained by your fluid intake, or is accompanied by other symptoms like pain, fever, blood in urine, or loss of bladder control you should consult a doctor.
A change in urination habits is one of the main symptoms of bladder cancer.
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust says: “Depending on your level of activity and how much liquid you consume, your day-to-day urination habits can vary quite a bit.
“However, the following changes could be a sign that something is wrong with your bladder: urinating more often, feeling sudden, strong urges to urinate, feeling like your bladder isn’t entirely empty after urinating, needing to urinate multiple times during the night, experiencing burning sensation or pain when urinating, and experiencing difficulty urinating or a weak urine stream.
“Again, these symptoms are common indicators of other conditions, so it’s important to tell your doctor about them.”
FREQUENT HEARTBURN OR INDIGESTION
Frequent heartburn could be a sign of stomach cancer or oesophageal cancer[/caption]
Heartburn and indigestion are very common experiences that many people have from time to time, particularly after eating large or fatty meals.
However, they’re not considered normal if they are frequent, severe, or last for extended periods.
The symptoms can be signs of stomach cancer or oesophageal cancer.
Cancer Research UK also warns long term indigestion and heartburn is the most common symptom of Barrett’s oesophagus, which can increase your risk of oesophageal cancer.
BLOATING THAT HAPPENS OFTEN OR LASTS A LONG TIME
Persistent bloating is a common symptom of ovarian cancer[/caption]
Occasional bloating is normal and can result from swallowing air or eating gassy foods like beans and fizzy drinks.
But persistent or severe bloating, especially when accompanied by symptoms like weight loss, diarrhoea, constipation, or blood in poo should be evaluated by a doctor.
Bloating if a common symptom of ovarian cancer.
Ovarian Cancer Action advises: “If your bloating is severe, persistent, out of the ordinary or with no obvious explanation it could be a symptom of ovarian cancer.”
The charity adds: “In advanced stages of ovarian cancer, bloating can become so severe that the tummy (abdomen) becomes visibly swollen, in some cases this has been mistaken for a pregnancy bump.
“If you are experiencing severe and visible bloating, you should seek an immediate appointment with your GP and ask for urgent referrals for further investigations.”
CHANGES IN YOUR POO
Changes in bowel habits can be linked to bowel cancer[/caption]
Changes in poo are not always abnormal, as diet, medication, and even temporary infections can affect bowel habits and stool consistency.
However, persistent changes lasting more than a few weeks, such as increased frequency, diarrhoea, severe abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, blood or mucus in your poo, or changes in stool consistency, should be investigated by a doctor.
Changes in bowel habits are the most common symptoms of bowel cancer.
Bowel Cancer UK says: “These symptoms can be caused by conditions other than colon or rectal cancer. But you should always have them checked by your doctor.
“Many people are embarrassed or uncomfortable discussing bowel symptoms. But doctors are use to talking about these things.”
A HOARSE OR CROAKY VOICE THAT DOESN’T GET BETTER
A hoarse voice could be one of the earliest signs of laryngeal cancer[/caption]
A hoarse or croaky voice isn’t always abnormal as it’s often caused by common issues like a cold, vocal strain, or allergies and usually resolves on its own.
But a hoarse or croaky voice is also one of the earliest and most common symptom of laryngeal (voice box) cancer.
Cancer Research UK says you should consult a doctor if hoarseness lasts longer than three to four weeks, worsens over time, or is accompanied by symptoms like difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, or severe pain.
A COUGH THAT DOESN’T GET BETTER OR GETS WORSE
If a cough lasts more than three weeks it could be a sign of lung cancer[/caption]
There’s usually no need to see a GP if you have a cough as it usually clears up on its own within three to four weeks.
But according to the NHS, a cough that doesn’t go away after three weeks, or an existing cough that changes or gets worse, could be a symptom of lung cancer and should be checked by a GP.
Other symptoms of lung cancer to look out for include an ache or pain in the chest or shoulder, a loss of appetite, feeling tired all the time, and losing weight.
Cancer screenings in England
CATCHING cancer early gives you the best chance of survival, and a huge part of that is attending regular screenings.
NHS programmes can help diagnose the disease, or your risk of it, and improve the likelihood of successful treatment.
There are three national screening programmes in England: cervical screening, breast screening and bowel screening.
“If you are eligible, please make every effort to have your screening test as they can detect a problem early, before you have any symptoms. ,” the NHS says.
“Finding out about a problem early can mean that treatment is more effective.”
Cervical screening
This is offered in England to people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 and is routinely carried out every three years up to the age of 49, and every five from 50 to 64.
Depending on the result, people may be recalled earlier.
During a cervical screening, samples are tested for high risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which causes nearly all cervical cancers.
Those that test positive are then analysed further.
Breast screening
Breast screenings, which involve an X-ray test called a mammogram that can spot cancers when they are too small to see or feel, are usually offered to women aged 50 to 71 in England.
But the NHS is trialling them for women under 50 if they have a high risk of developing breast cancer.
Bowel screening
This test detects whether patients are showing any early signs of cancer.
It is available to everyone aged 50 to 74, with at-home kits automatically sent out every two years, so make sure your GP has your correct address.
The test involves providing a small poo sample to be checked for tiny amounts of blood, which could be caused by cancer.
If you’re 75 or over, you can ask for a kit every two years by phoning the free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 60 60.
Source: NHS
