Less Survivable Cancers Awareness Day
In January 2022, the Taskforce launched the first ever Less Survivable Cancers Awareness Day last year. This year we’ll be marking the occasion again on 11th January 2023, to highlight their symptoms and raise awareness of the need for action on these cancers.
What is Less Survivable Cancers Awareness Day?
The six less survivable common cancers (lung, pancreatic, liver, brain, oesophageal and stomach) are responsible for almost half of all cancer deaths and make up a quarter of cancer cases each year in the UK.
We need action to improve survival rates of the less survivable cancers.
We will be raising awareness of less survivable cancers so more people understand their symptoms and go to see their GP if they have concerns.
Why do we need a Less Survivable Cancers Awareness Day?
Less survivable cancers are difficult to diagnose as they often have vague or non-specific symptoms. Data released by the LSCT in 2021 showed that awareness of the symptoms of the deadliest cancers is as low as 4% in the UK.
People diagnosed with less survivable cancers have a shockingly low life expectancy. The chance of someone surviving for five years after being diagnosed with one of these cancers is only 16%.
The Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce is urging everyone to be aware of the symptoms of these deadly cancers and to seek medical help at the earliest opportunity if they recognise any of the signs.
Typical symptoms will vary but red flags for less survivable cancers could include any of the following; indigestion, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, a loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, a persistent cough, unexplained tiredness, headaches or nausea. We want everyone to be aware of these symptoms, and to see their GP swiftly if anything is unusual.
How you can help:
- Raise awareness by sharing our social media posts across your platforms.
- Write to your local politicians to encourage them to get involved – you can use the template emails below.
- Familiarise yourself with the cancers and symptoms detailed below.
Pancreatic cancer
- Less than 7% of people with pancreatic cancer in the UK will survive beyond 5 years.
- 60% of people with pancreatic cancer are not diagnosed until the cancer is at an advanced stage.
- Symptoms include: pain in the back or stomach area, unexpected weight loss, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice), indigestion, changes to bowel habits, loss of appetite, recently diagnosed diabetes.
- Pancreatic Cancer UK is taking on pancreatic cancer through research, support and campaigning to transform the future for people affected.
Oesophageal cancer
- In the UK, there are about 9,100 cases of oesophageal cancer diagnosed each year.
- Only 15% of adult oesophageal patients survive this cancer for 5 years or more.
- Symptoms include: difficulty swallowing, persistent indigestion or heartburn, loss of appetite and weight loss, vomiting, pain or discomfort in stomach, chest or back, a persistent cough, hoarseness, tiredness and shortness of breath.
- The UK has the highest incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma in the world.
- The cancer risks are higher for men, people aged over 50 years and those who are obese.
Brain Tumours
- Brain tumours are the ninth most common cancer in the UK.
- 60% of people diagnosed with a high-grade brain tumour will die within one year and just 12% will survive for five years or more.
- Symptoms can include: headaches, nausea or vomiting, vision or speech problems, fits (seizures), mental or behavioural changes, such as memory problems or changes in personality.
- The Brain Tumour Charity is at the forefront of the fight to defeat brain tumours, making a difference every day to the lives of people with a brain tumour and their families. It funds pioneering research to increase survival, raises awareness of the symptoms and effects of brain tumours and provides support for everyone affected.
Liver cancers
- Liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer, the third cause of cancer- related death and accounts for 7% of all cancers.
- Liver cancer death rates have soared by around 50% in the last decade
- In the UK, the 5-year survival remains at around 12% for liver cancer and survival rates have hardly changed in the last 10 years
- 80 – 90% of cases of primary liver cancer are linked to cirrhosis (damage and scarring) of the liver which is most often caused by viral hepatitis, alcohol and obesity.
- Symptoms include: unintentional weight loss, loss of appetite, feeling very full after eating, feeling and being sick, pain or swelling in your abdomen, jaundice (yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes), itchy skin, feeling very tired and weak, fever with shivers, vomiting blood, dark black tarry poo, dark urine.
Stomach cancer
- Stomach cancer is more common in men than women. More than 5 out of 10 cases (50%) occur in people aged 75 or over.
- Survival rates for people with stomach cancer in England and Wales: more than 40 out of 100 people (40%) will survive their cancer for 1 year or more, around 20 out of 100 people (20%) will survive their cancer for 5 years or more, 15 out of 100 people (15%) will survive their cancer for 10 years or more.
- Symptoms include: indigestion, trapped wind, heartburn, feeling full very quickly when eating, feeling bloated after eating, nausea, stomach pain, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), unexpected weight loss.
- Guts UK funds research to fight diseases of the gut, liver and pancreas so no one suffers in silence or alone.
Lung cancer
- Lung cancer is the most common cancer in the world. Over 46,000 people are diagnosed in the UK every year. There are many different causes of lung cancer.
- Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. This means smokers and ex-smokers have an increased risk of getting lung cancer. However it is by no means the only cause; in fact 28% of lung cancer cases aren’t caused by smoking.
- Symptoms include: A cough that does not go away or gets worse, coughing up blood, chest pain that is often worse with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing, hoarseness, weight loss and loss of appetite, shortness of breath, feeling tired or weak.
- Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation is the only UK lung cancer charity dedicated to helping everyone affected by the disease.