Deaths from six cancers are rising in men and women and symptoms mean they could be easy to miss
Deaths from six cancers in the US are said to be rising in both men and women, so here's a rundown of some of the common symptoms that are easy to miss.
According to the American Cancer Society, in 2025, more than two million cancer cases are expected to be recorded in the US, while it's estimated that over 618,000 people could lose their lives from the disease.
While the overall cancer mortality rate has continued to decline, it's crucial to detect the early signs of the disease before it potentially spreads to other parts of the body.
From 2018 to 2022, death rates from six particular cancers increased in both men and women, with all of them coming with symptoms that could be easy to miss.
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A new report from the NIH and American Heart Association (AHA) detailed that cancer cases have declined in the past 20 years, but skin cancers, oral cavity (mouth) and pharynx (throat), bones and joints, pancreas, uterus, and liver cancer have all increased.
Skin cancers
While there are many forms of skin cancers, many of them share similar symptoms you should really be getting checked out if you notice them. The report said that death rates among men with non-melanoma skin cancer increased.
Cancer Research UK explains that symptoms of skin cancer includes a sore or area of skin that doesn't heal within four weeks, it 'looks unusual', and it's 'itchy, bleeds, crusts or scabs for more than four weeks'.
A change in an existing skin spot is another symptom many folks can easily miss, so it's certainly important you know your skin and aware of potential changes that may be happening.
Oral cavity and pharyngeal cancers
Deaths from such cancers increased for both men and women in the US, so it's important to know the symptoms you may easily miss.
If you've got ulcers that don't heal, a lump in your neck, pain in your mouth, red or white patches in your mouth or throat, a persistent sore throat then the NHS advises you should pay the doctor a visit.
Having pain or difficulty swallowing, experiencing speech problems, weight loss or bad breath should really be getting checked out too.
Bones and joints
Bone and joint cancers, also known as sarcomas, are tumors that originate in bone tissue or cartilage.
They mostly affect young adults and children under the age of 20, but any individual can be impacted.
While it remains a rare cancer, it's important to make note of the less-easy-to-spot symptoms.
The NHS states symptoms can include swelling and redness, AKA inflammation over a bone, a noticeable lump over a bone, and persistent bone pain that gets worse while trying to sleep.
Pancreatic cancer
Sitting below the lower part of the stomach, pancreatic cancer is much more treatable if it's caught early.
Symptoms of the disease include loss of appetite, dark-colored urine, tiredness or weakness, stomach pain that spreads to the sides or back, and yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.
Womb cancer
Deaths from uterus cancer, which is most common in women who've been through the menopause, increased among women - so it's important to be aware of the symptoms.
The NHS says those who have been diagnosed with the disease may have experienced bleeding or spotting from the vagina after the menopause, heavy periods that are traditional from the norm, pain during sex, and changes to how often you use the toilet.
Liver cancer
The recent report also found liver cancer to be on the rise, so what are the all important symptoms you need to think about?
Well, the NHS states symptoms of the disease include a lump in the right side of your stomach, feeling tired or having no energy and loss of appetite.
Of course, some of these symptoms could easily be something else - so it's important to just head to the doctors and get checked out if you have any concerns.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.
Callum Jones