Some cancers are more difficult to detect and treat than others, and often, the symptoms are easy to miss. These “less survivable cancers” tend to be diagnosed too late, when treatment options are limited. But awareness can change that. In this article, we’ll explain what these cancers are, why survival rates are lower, and, most importantly, the early signs you should never ignore.
Less Survivable Cancer Awareness Week takes place in January every year. The goal is to raise the profile of six cancers (brain, liver, stomach, oesophageal, pancreatic, and stomach) that make up around 20 per cent of all cancer cases in the UK. They account for around 40 per cent of cancer-related deaths1. This article aims to raise awareness and highlight the early warning signs so that people can be diagnosed as early as possible.
What Makes a Cancer Less Survivable?
The Less Survivable Cancers are named so because they are often diagnosed once they have already progressed. This limits the treatment options available and results in a low survival rate.
Late detection
The six Less Survivable Cancers are not routinely screened for unless people are deemed high risk. For example, only those with advanced liver scarring (cirrhosis) or similar may be screened for liver cancer2.
For people who are not considered high risk, symptoms are often very vague in the early stages. Mild symptoms such as tiredness or indigestion can easily be attributed to stress, diet, or other minor causes, so people may delay visiting their general practitioner (GP). By the time more serious symptoms emerge, the cancer has often already progressed.
Aggressive nature and fast progression
Another thing that these cancers have in common is that the survival rate 5 years after diagnosis is less than 20 per cent. In fact, in England, more than half (58 per cent) of Less Survivable Cancer diagnoses resulted in death within one year3.
Most cases are diagnosed once the cancer has progressed significantly, often after it has already spread to other organs. This limits the treatment options available, contributing to poor survival rates.
Lack of public awareness
Research into these Less Survivable Cancers is underfunded compared to the other cancers. Especially considering that they account for nearly 40 per cent of all common cancer deaths in the UK, while receiving less than 20 per cent of overall cancer funding1.
This is reflected in public awareness, with common signs of cancers, such as breast or prostate cancer, being widely known. This contributes to earlier diagnosis, more treatment options, and better outcomes for the patient.
The lack of clarity of early symptoms is contributing to the lower survival rate. Raising awareness of these cancers and their symptoms is essential.
Early Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Though some groups are more likely to develop these cancers than others, it is important to know that they can affect anyone. They are often mistaken for other conditions. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should visit your GP.
Pancreatic cancer
- Pancreatic cancer is most common in those over 65, who have a family history of pancreatic cancer or chronic pancreatitis4.
- Early symptoms: nausea, diarrhoea or constipation, indigestion, back pain, or unexplained fatigue5.
- More specific symptoms: yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), itchy skin, changes to urine or stool colour, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, or new on-set diabetes5.
Liver cancer
- Liver cancer is most common in men over 85, in those who have a history of liver cancer, cirrhosis, gallstones, diabetes, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), fatty liver disease, or heavy alcohol use6,7.
- Early symptoms: unexplained weight loss, itchy skin, changes in appetite, or flu-like symptoms6.
- Other symptoms: jaundice, pain in the upper right abdomen or right shoulder, indigestion6.
Oesophageal cancer
- Oesophageal cancer is higher in men, people over 75, people with long-term acid reflux, obesity, smokers, or heavy alcohol use8. The health condition Barrett’s oesophagus, where the cells of the oesophagus grow abnormally, can also increase risk8.
- Early symptoms: trouble swallowing (dysphagia), indigestion, unexplained weight loss, persistent heartburn or acid reflux9.
- Other symptoms: hoarseness, persistent cough, chest pains, or blood in phlegm or stools9.
Stomach cancer
- Stomach cancer is more common in men, those over 50, and people with long-term helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in the stomach, a family history of stomach cancer, or pernicious anaemia10.
- Symptoms: persistent heartburn, acid reflux, dysphagia, indigestion, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, a sore lump at the top of your stomach, or unexplained fatigue11.
Brain tumours
- Brain tumours can affect anyone of any age, but are most common in those who have a family history of brain tumours or excessive radiation exposure.
- Brain tumours can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous)12.
- Symptoms: persistent headaches, seizures, unexplained nausea or vomiting, changes in vision or balance, speech problems, personality changes, or memory difficulties12.
Lung cancer
- Lung cancer is most common in those over 75, smokers, ex-smokers, those exposed to toxic substances, like asbestosis, and those exposed to radiation13,14.
- Early symptoms: chest pains, persistent cough, blood in phlegm, breathlessness, unexplained tiredness, and weight loss14.
- Other symptoms: recurring chest infections, dysphagia, hoarseness, shoulder pain, swelling of the face, neck, or fingertips14.
The Power of Early Detection
Screening tools and emerging technologies
Unlike in breast, bowel, or cervical cancer, the Less Survivable Cancers have no screening programmes15. Lack of reliable blood tests or low-cost screening options leaves the diagnosis process to people self-reporting symptoms16. Since these cancers develop deep within the body, there are often no or very vague symptoms in the early stages. Precancerous growth or tumours are therefore impossible to monitor before they become serious.
Companies like Ezra offer pre-emptive Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanning to help empower people and take their health back into their own hands. They offer a multi-region MRI scan that can look at up to 14 organs for early signs of cancer and over 500 other conditions. By spotting these cancers early, more treatment options become available.
When to speak to your GP
No one knows your body better than you do, so if you notice unexplained, persistent symptoms like indigestion or fatigue, contact your GP.
Though these signs do not automatically diagnose you with cancer, there may be an underlying reason or a lifestyle change that could benefit you. Either way, it is well worth seeking medical advice. Even if just for your own peace of mind.
GPs can order tests, refer you to specialists, and may be able to piece seemingly unrelated symptoms together into a big picture.
The earlier something is spotted, the more that can be done about it.
Additionally, private MRI screening can also offer insight. Ezra offers a non-invasive, radiation-free approach that delivers comprehensive insights, usually in under an hour. Their AI-assisted diagnostic tools help expert radiologists evaluate your scans. Regular scans can give you peace of mind and help you take back control over your health.
Don’t “wait and see” – why acting early matters
Early-stage cancer is often treatable, even if survival odds are lower overall. Identifying these cancers earlier gives you more options in treatment and often offers less invasive options. Don’t wait till symptoms become a problem; faster diagnosis leads to more effective treatments and better outcomes overall.
Conclusion
Less Survivable Cancers are often symptom-free until they have significantly progressed, but recognising signs can often be the key to an early diagnosis. By speaking to your GP, you can give yourself the most options for treatment and a chance of the best possible outcomes.
Want to get ahead of your health? Ezra’s MRI scan can screen for many less survivable cancers before symptoms begin. It’s fast, non-invasive, and AI-powered. Book your Ezra scan today.
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References
1. Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce. Less Survivable Cancers Awareness Week. Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce. Accessed January 21, 2026. https://lesssurvivablecancers.org.uk/awarenessweek/
2. Cancer Research UK. Screening for liver cancer. Accessed January 21, 2026. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/liver-cancer/getting-diagnosed/screening
3. Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce. The Less Survivable Cancers. Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce. Accessed January 21, 2026. https://lesssurvivablecancers.org.uk/the-less-survivable-cancers/
4. NHS. Causes of pancreatic cancer. nhs.uk. June 22, 2023. Accessed January 21, 2026. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pancreatic-cancer/causes/
5. NHS. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer. nhs.uk. June 22, 2023. Accessed January 21, 2026. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pancreatic-cancer/symptoms/
6. NHS. Symptoms of liver cancer. nhs.uk. July 6, 2023. Accessed January 21, 2026. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/liver-cancer/symptoms/
7. NHS. Causes of liver cancer - NHS. Accessed January 21, 2026. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/liver-cancer/causes/
8. NHS. Causes of oesophageal cancer. nhs.uk. July 5, 2023. Accessed January 21, 2026. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/oesophageal-cancer/causes/
9. NHS. Symptoms of oesophageal cancer. nhs.uk. July 5, 2023. Accessed January 21, 2026. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/oesophageal-cancer/symptoms/
10. NHS. Causes of stomach cancer. nhs.uk. October 23, 2017. Accessed January 21, 2026. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stomach-cancer/causes/
11. NHS. Symptoms of stomach cancer. nhs.uk. September 17, 2018. Accessed January 21, 2026. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stomach-cancer/symptoms/
12. NHS. Brain tumours. nhs.uk. October 17, 2017. Accessed January 21, 2026. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/brain-tumours/
13. NHS. Lung cancer. nhs.uk. October 23, 2017. Accessed January 21, 2026. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-cancer/
14. NHS. Lung cancer - Symptoms. nhs.uk. October 23, 2017. Accessed January 21, 2026. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-cancer/symptoms/
15. Brassett D. Less Survivable Cancers Awareness Week 2026 - Guts UK %. Guts UK. January 13, 2026. Accessed January 14, 2026. https://gutscharity.org.uk/2026/01/less-survivable-cancers-awarenesss-week-2026/
16. Vavoulis DV, Cutts A, Thota N, et al. Multimodal cell-free DNA whole-genome TAPS is sensitive and reveals specific cancer signals. Nat Commun. 2025;16(1):430. doi:10.1038/s41467-024-55428-y
