Seven stealth signs of cancer to never ignore as scientists predict 61% increase in cases

These are seven signs that could mean cancer which you should keep an eye out for.

Cancer is one of the biggest killers out there in 2025 alongside heart disease, and as the signs can be subtle it can be tricky to spot unless you know what you're looking for.

The disease can be caused by a large number of factors, sadly including being unlucky with your family history.

However, a big impact on an individual's risk of the condition is lifestyle.

In particular, smoking has been known to be a massive risk factor for lung cancer for a long time now, with high alcohol consumption also thought to be a factor for some types.

It comes as scientists have published an alarming prediction about the future for cancer.

Scientists predict cases to rise 61% of 2050

Cancer cases are predicted to rise (Alvaro Medina Jurado/Getty)

A study published in the medical journal the Lancet has made the macabre forecast that the number of cancer cases is set to rise by 65 percent over the next 25 years.

This is an increase of 19 million new cancer cases in 2025 up to 30.5 million cases in 2050, with the number of cancer deaths forecast to increase by 75 percent to 18.6 million.

But what will cause this increase?

One big factor is sadly not something we can change, and that's an aging population - as people get older they become more at risk of developing cancer.

Another factor is an increase in population.

However some factors are ones we can change, including lifestyle choices such as smoking and poor diets, as well as exposure to things which have linked to cancer, and high blood sugar.

Seven stealth symptoms you should never ignore

These are some signs to watch out for (thianchai sitthikongsak/Getty)

Cancer is especially alarming because it can be hard to spot, with many of the symptoms being seemingly innocuous.

These are seven signs which could be a red flag.

Sweating a lot, especially at night, could be a sign that something is wrong, as is feeling excessively tired for no reason.

If you need to urinate excessively this may be a sign of cancer, though this can also be normal.

Frequent heartburn or indigestion may be just that, but if it's persistent then it may be worth getting checked out.

Excessive bloating may be a sign, as can changes in your stool, especially if you see blood.

A croaky voice that doesn't get better this might be a signal that something is off, and a persistent cough that doesn't get better after a couple of weeks is also a red flag.

What should you do if you experience one of these symptoms?

Getting checked out by a doctor is a good idea (Luis Alvarez/Getty)

If you have these symptoms you should go to the doctor, especially if you have more than one of them.

It may be that it is something else - for example, heartburn may just be some acid reflux, or if you have indigestion it could be intolerance you didn't know about for example.

Nonetheless, you should flag the symptoms to a doctor just to be safe, and even if it's something less serious they'll be able to help with whatever is causing it.

Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, told The Sun: “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.”