Symptoms of the UK's rapidly increasing cancer threat, with death rates having doubled over the past two decades.

Brits are being urged to look out for some of the telltale signs of a deadly disease as shocking new figures show death rates have doubled in just 20 years. Cancer Research UK has warned that liver cancer killed around 81,300 people across the UK in the past two decades.

This positions it as the quickest escalating cause of cancer-related fatalities in the UK. Projections indicate that it will lead to even higher mortality rates over the next 15 years, with an estimated 135,000 deaths.

The charity expressed significant worry over this trend, noting that other types of cancer are experiencing a decline in mortality rates. It is estimated that nearly half of all cases could be avoided through specific lifestyle modifications.

Being overweight, smoking, and consuming alcohol are significant contributors to disease. "This January, focus on establishing lasting healthy habits to lower your cancer risk," advised Sophia Lowes, senior health information manager at Cancer Research UK.

"Maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption can significantly impact your health." Additionally, it's crucial to recognize the possible warning signs of liver cancer in order to pursue treatment promptly.

The NHS warns that liver cancer may not have any symptoms, or they might be “hard to spot”. However, there are three signs that can appear in the tummy:

• A lump in the right side of your tummy
• Pain at the top right side of your tummy
• A very swollen tummy that is not related to when you eat.

According to the NHS, "The symptoms remain consistent whether liver cancer originates in the liver itself (primary liver cancer) or if it has metastasized from another area of the body (secondary liver cancer)."

Additional signs of liver cancer may encompass:

• The whites of your eyes turning yellow or your skin turning yellow, which may be less obvious on brown or black skin (jaundice) – you may also have itchy skin, darker pee and Paler poo than usual
• Loss of appetite or losing weight without trying to
• Feeling tired or having no energy
• Feeling generally unwell or having symptoms like flu
• Feeling or being sick
• Pain in your right shoulder
• Symptoms of indigestion, such as feeling full very quickly when eating.

However, a lot of these symptoms are quite prevalent and may arise from various health issues. The NHS states: “Experiencing these symptoms does not necessarily indicate liver cancer. Nonetheless, it is crucial to consult a GP for a proper evaluation.”

"This is due to the fact that if they are a result of cancer, early detection could lead to more effective treatment options."

Cancer Research UK has raised concerns about the significant rise in liver cancer cases and fatalities among older age groups. This trend is believed to be partially linked to their historically elevated levels of smoking and alcohol consumption.

According to the NHS, your chances of developing liver cancer increase if you:

• Are over 60 – it's most common in people over 85
• Are a man
• Have certain medical conditions, such as hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, gallstones, diabetes, a parasite in the liver (liver flukes) or HIV
• Have a brother, sister or parent who had primary liver cancer.