Certain cancers are becoming more prevalent, often developing without obvious warning signs.

These “silent” cancers—pancreatic, ovarian, brain, stomach, liver, and esophageal—can progress undetected until advanced stages, making early detection challenging.

Below, The Daily Mail has outlined each cancer, its subtle symptoms, risk factors, and prevention strategies based on the latest insights.

1. Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is notoriously hard to detect early due to its deep location in the abdomen. Its incidence is rising, with about 60,000 new cases annually in the U.S., and it’s projected to become the second-leading cause of cancer deaths by 2030.

• Subtle Symptoms: Unexplained weight loss, vague abdominal or back pain, jaundice (yellowing skin/eyes), nausea, or changes in stool (pale, greasy, or floating).

• Risk Factors: Smoking, obesity, diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, and family history (BRCA2 gene mutations).

• Prevention: Quit smoking, maintain a healthy weight, limit alcohol, and manage diabetes. Genetic testing may help those with a family history.

• Screening: No standard screening exists, but high-risk individuals may benefit from endoscopic ultrasound or MRI.

2. Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer, often called the “silent killer,” affects around 20,000 women annually in the U.S. It’s rising, particularly in younger women, with vague symptoms mistaken for digestive or menstrual issues.

• Subtle Symptoms: Bloating, pelvic/abdominal pain, feeling full quickly, frequent urination, or irregular periods.

• Risk Factors: Age (over 50), family history (BRCA1/2 mutations), endometriosis, obesity, and never having been pregnant.

• Prevention: Oral contraceptives may lower risk. Genetic counseling is advised for those with family history. Regular gynecologic check-ups are key.

• Screening: No reliable screening test exists, but transvaginal ultrasound or CA-125 blood tests may be used for high-risk women.

3. Brain Cancer

Brain cancer cases, including gliomas and meningiomas, are increasing, with about 25,000 new diagnoses yearly in the U.S. Symptoms depend on the tumor’s location and size, often mimicking other conditions.

• Subtle Symptoms: Persistent headaches (worse in the morning), seizures, memory issues, personality changes, vision/hearing problems, or difficulty speaking.

• Risk Factors: Radiation exposure, family history, and certain genetic syndromes (e.g., neurofibromatosis). Cell phone use is not a proven risk.

• Prevention: Limit radiation exposure. No clear prevention exists, but early imaging for persistent symptoms can aid detection.

• Screening: No routine screening; MRI or CT scans are used for symptoms or high-risk cases.

4. Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer is rising, particularly in younger adults, with around 27,000 U.S. cases annually. It’s often linked to lifestyle and infections, with symptoms mimicking common digestive issues.

• Subtle Symptoms: Heartburn, mild abdominal pain, feeling full after small meals, nausea, or unintentional weight loss.

• Risk Factors: H. pylori infection, smoking, heavy alcohol use, processed food diets, obesity, and family history.

• Prevention: Treat H. pylori, eat a diet rich in fruits/vegetables, reduce processed foods, quit smoking, and limit alcohol.

• Screening: Endoscopy may be used in high-risk groups, but no standard screening exists in the U.S.

5. Liver Cancer

Liver cancer, primarily hepatocellular carcinoma, is surging, with about 42,000 new U.S. cases yearly, driven by rising rates of obesity and hepatitis.

• Subtle Symptoms: Fatigue, upper abdominal pain, swelling, jaundice, easy bruising, or unexplained weight loss.

• Risk Factors: Chronic hepatitis B/C, heavy alcohol use, obesity, diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

• Prevention: Vaccinate against hepatitis B, screen for hepatitis C, limit alcohol, manage weight, and avoid moldy grains/nuts (aflatoxin risk).

• Screening: High-risk individuals (e.g., those with hepatitis or cirrhosis) may undergo ultrasound or AFP blood tests every six months.

6. Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer is increasing, particularly adenocarcinoma, with around 22,000 U.S. cases annually. It’s often tied to chronic irritation of the esophagus.

• Subtle Symptoms: Difficulty swallowing, chest pain, persistent heartburn, hoarse voice, or unintentional weight loss.

• Risk Factors: Chronic acid reflux (GERD), Barrett’s esophagus, smoking, heavy alcohol use, obesity, and low-fiber diets.

• Prevention: Manage GERD, quit smoking, limit alcohol, eat a fiber-rich diet, and maintain a healthy weight.

• Screening: Endoscopy is recommended for those with chronic GERD or Barrett’s esophagus.

Why Are These Cancers Rising?

Experts point to lifestyle factors—obesity, poor diet, smoking, and alcohol—as major drivers. Environmental exposures, like pollutants, and delayed diagnoses due to healthcare access issues also contribute. Younger adults are increasingly affected, possibly due to changing diets and sedentary lifestyles.