Survey: Only 1% Of People Know The Tell-Tale Signs Of Some Of The Deadliest Cancers

Survival rates for some cancers have increased significantly in recent decades. Awareness for cancer screenings and early detection, however, is still low. A recent poll showed that less than 1% of Britons know the tell-tale signs of some deadly cancers. The problem is that many of these cancers if caught early, have excellent survival rates. We’re just not catching them. This quiz tests your knowledge of the symptoms of some of the most deadly cancers – How many do you know?

Quiz: How Many of the Signs of Cancer Do You Know?

Early detection is the best way to boost your chances at beating cancer. Breast and prostate cancer, two of the most common cancers in adults, have survival rates as high as 90 percent when detected early and treated promptly. Major treatment advances for many types of cancer mean more people are surviving than ever. Despite this, tens of thousands of people lose their lives yearly simply because they didn’t detect cancer early enough.

The Less Survivable Cancers Task Force (LSCT) surveyed British people on their knowledge of the signs and symptoms of the six deadliest cancers. These are liver, brain, esophageal, lung, stomach, and pancreatic cancers. The results showed the incredible lack of knowledge that the general population has of the signs of cancer. About 20% could identify all the signs of a brain tumor, and it only gets worse from there. Only 9% know the signs of lung cancer, 7% for pancreatic, 3% for stomach, 2% for esophageal, and a mere 1% for liver cancer. (1) Below is the survey used by LSCT according to the Daily Mail (2).

Test Yourself On The Signs Of Cancer

Take the quiz below to see how well you know the signs of cancer. You can review your answers at the bottom of the page.

1. What Are The Signs of Liver Cancer?

1. Jaundice (yellowing of your skin)
2. Feeling very tired and weak
3. Unintentional weight loss
4. Pain or swelling in your abdomen
5. Loss of appetite
6. Feeling and being sick
7. Itchy skin
8. Feeling very full after eating
9. Shortness of breath
10. Speech or vision problems
11. Seizures
12. None of the above

2. What Are the Signs of a Brain Tumor?

1. Vision or speech problems
2. Seizures
3. Shortness of breath
4. Mental or behavioral changes
5. Nausea or vomiting
6. Difficulty swallowing
7. Jaundice
8. Headaches

3. What Are The Signs of Esophageal Cancer?

1. Seizures
2. Loss of appetite and weight loss
3. Hoarseness
4. Persistent indigestion or heartburn
5. A persistent cough
6. Jaundice
7. Pain in stomach, chest, or back
8. Vomiting
9. Tiredness or shortness of breath
10. Speech or vision problems
11. Difficulty swallowing
12. None of the above

4. What Are The Signs of Lung Cancer?

1. A cough that does not go away
2. Speech or vision problems
3. Weight loss and loss of appetite
4. Seizures
5. Chest pain that is often worse with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing
6. Shortness of breath
7. Jaundice
8. Feeling tired or weak
9. Hoarseness
10. Coughing up blood

5. What Are The Signs of Stomach Cancer?

1. Stomach pain
2. Feeling bloated after eating
3. Jaundice
4. Feeling very full quickly when eating
5. Speech or vision problems
6. Shortness of breath
7. Trapped wind
8. Nausea
9. Heartburn
10. Difficulty swallowing
11. Indigestion
12. None of the above

6. What Are The Signs of Pancreatic Cancer?

1. Coughing up blood
2. Pain in the back or stomach area
3. Chest pain that is often worse with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing
4. Jaundice
5. Unexpected weight loss
6. Seizures

Read: How to Eat to Reduce Cancer Risk

We Have Improved, But It’s Not Enough

Breast cancer deaths have decreased significantly in recent years due to improved awareness and early detection. The National Cancer Institute states that breast cancer screenings, encouraging self-examination, and related treatment successes have contributed to this 38 percent decline in the past several decades. Women survive breast cancer more than ever, with a five-year survival rate of about 89 percent. Breast cancer treatments have improved over the years, leading to a decrease in the rate of breast cancer deaths among women. (3)

However, prostate cancer is a different story. Less than 1% of people know the tell-tale signs of some of the deadliest cancers, and prostate cancer is no exception. Many older men undergo active surveillance for low-risk tumors to forego treatment. Men of all ages are recommended to undergo screening for prostate cancer, especially as they get older. Depending on the stage and type of cancer, patients may choose to forego treatment or opt for surgery or radiation therapy. Benign cells can also be present with intermediate-risk disease, which may require additional monitoring but usually does not require any treatments.

Cancer Prevention

Various factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and weight, can increase the risk of certain types of cancer. Cancer screenings are recommended for people with risk factors, but everyone should still see a doctor if they experience any new or worsening symptoms. Cancer symptoms vary by type and stage, but common signs include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, pain, or swelling. Cancer treatments vary widely depending on the type of cancer and its stage. However, certain cancers, such as breast and ovarian cancers, can be prevented through genetic mutation testing and lifestyle changes. (4, 5)

Smoking

Understanding the various types of cancer and associated risk factors is important. Smoking is linked to many types of cancer, including lung, colon, and kidney cancers. In addition to smoking, using smokeless tobacco products can also increase your risk for certain leukemias and cancers of the head and neck. Avoiding exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke can also help reduce your risk. 

Alcohol and Diet

The use of alcohol increases your risk for certain cancers, such as breast, colon, lung, liver and prostate cancers. To reduce your cancer risk from alcohol use, limit yourself to no more than one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men. Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables may also help protect you against some forms of cancer. Finally, be sure to get regular medical check-ups that include appropriate screening tests based on age and health status.

Family History

The risk of breast cancer increases if there is a family history of the disease or if there is a gene mutation that increases the risk. Additionally, high-risk breast lesions may increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Breast MRI screenings can help identify these lesions early on so they can be monitored more closely. Colon cancer is also linked to certain personal risk factors such as diet, metabolism, immune factors, age, genetics, and lifestyle choices like smoking or drinking alcohol. 

Get Regular Screenings

Cancer-related screening tests such as mammography, colonoscopy, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing are recommended for people at risk of the disease. If you are undergoing cancer treatment, managing your side effects is important. Your healthcare provider can help you find ways to make your experience more comfortable.

It’s A Personal Thing

Ultimately, your risk of developing cancer is a highly personal thing. With so many factors that contribute to it, you need to know your own risk level and take steps to decrease it. Cancer and other noncommunicable diseases can be caused by cancer-causing substances, certain hormones, especially hormones, inflammation hormones, and other factors. People who smoke, have x-rays done, and are exposed to air pollution are more likely to develop cancer. 

Other risk factors include obesity, unhealthy diet, inactivity, and even secondary cigarette smoke. A lack of physical activity increases the risk of obesity, a major risk factor for many cancers. To reduce your cancer risk, it is important to reduce or eliminate tobacco use and limit or avoid alcohol consumption. Exercise helps reduce chronic inflammation, and hormone replacement therapy may help reduce the risk of some cancers. Finally, regular screenings from a doctor will help to catch any cancerous cells early so that you can be treated and improve your chances of survival.

Read: The cancer symptom that strikes at night – and 13 other signs you need to know

Test Answers

Check your answers to the signs of cancer quiz below. The answers are bolded.

1. What Are The Signs of Liver Cancer?

1. Jaundice (yellowing of your skin)
2. Feeling very tired and weak
3. Unintentional weight loss
4. Pain or swelling in your abdomen
5. Loss of appetite
6. Feeling and being sick
7. Itchy skin
8. Feeling very full after eating
9. Shortness of breath
10. Speech or vision problems
11. Seizures
12. None of the above

2. What Are the Signs of a Brain Tumor?

1. Vision or speech problems
2. Seizures
3. Shortness of breath
4. Mental or behavioral changes
5. Nausea or vomiting
6. Difficulty swallowing
7. Jaundice
8. Headaches

3. What Are The Signs of Esophageal Cancer?

1. Seizures
2. Loss of appetite and weight loss
3. Hoarseness
4. Persistent indigestion or heartburn
5. A persistent cough
6. Jaundice
7. Pain in stomach, chest, or back
8. Vomiting
9. Tiredness or shortness of breath
10. Speech or vision problems
11. Difficulty swallowing
12. None of the above

4. What Are The Signs of Lung Cancer?

1. A cough that does not go away
2. Speech or vision problems
3. Weight loss and loss of appetite
4. Seizures
5. Chest pain that is often worse with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing
6. Shortness of breath
7. Jaundice
8. Feeling tired or weak
9. Hoarseness
10. Coughing up blood

5. What Are The Signs of Stomach Cancer?

1. Stomach pain
2. Feeling bloated after eating
3. Jaundice
4. Feeling very full quickly when eating
5. Speech or vision problems
6. Shortness of breath
7. Trapped wind
8. Nausea
9. Heartburn
10. Difficulty swallowing
11. Indigestion
12. None of the above

6. What Are The Signs of Pancreatic Cancer?

1. Coughing up blood
2. Pain in the back or stomach area
3. Chest pain that is often worse with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing
4. Jaundice
5. Unexpected weight loss
6. Seizures

Keep Reading: Signs of cancer usually ignored by women