A recent report from Cancer Research UK predicted that one in two people will develop cancer at some point in their lifetime.
While the figure may seem worrying, the UK's cancer survival rate has doubled over the last 40 years. Around half of patients now survive the disease for more than 10 years.
The key to beating cancer is noticing symptoms early and getting the treatment you need.
However, a report in December revealed more than half of people ignore 'red flag' symptoms that could indicate cancer.
“Most people with potential warning symptoms don’t have cancer, but some will and others may have other diseases that would benefit from early attention," Dr Katriina Whitaker, senior research fellow at University College London said at the time.
"That’s why it’s important that these symptoms are checked out, especially if they don’t go away. But people could delay seeing a doctor if they don’t acknowledge cancer as a possible cause."
If you're unsure what the the warning signs of cancer are, check out the slideshow below to see Cancer Research UK's list of red flag symptoms.
10 Symptoms That Could Mean Cancer
Persistent Cough Or Hoarseness (01 of10)
Open Image ModalThis could indicate lung cancer. (credit:bert_phantana via Getty Images)
A Change In The Appearance Of A Mole (02 of10)
Open Image ModalThis could mean you're suffering skin cancer. (credit:BananaStock via Getty Images)
A Persistent Change In Bowel Habits(03 of10)
Open Image ModalThis could be a sign of bowel cancer. (credit:Doug Chinnery via Getty Images)
A Sore That Does Not Heal (04 of10)
Open Image ModalDepends on where, but a mouth ulcer could mean mouth cancer. (credit:Ilya Andriyanov via Getty Images)
Persistent Difficulty Swallowing(05 of10)
Open Image ModalThis can mean a person is suffering oesophageal cancer. (credit:Jevtic via Getty Images)
Unexplained Weight Loss(06 of10)
Open Image ModalThis can indicate several types of cancer. (credit:Fuse via Getty Images)
Persistent Change In Bladder Habits (07 of10)
Open Image ModalThis could be a sign of bladder cancer and prostate cancer in men. (credit:kostsov via Getty Images)
An Unexplained Lump(08 of10)
Open Image Modal This can be a warning sign of many forms of the disease. (credit:Huseyin Tuncer via Getty Images)
Persistent Unexplained Pain(09 of10)
Open Image ModalDepending on where, this can denote many types of cancer. (credit:GoodLifeStudio via Getty Images)
Unexplained Bleeding.(10 of10)
Open Image ModalDepends where but this can mean bowel, cervical or vulval cancer. (credit:Maciej Frolow via Getty Images)
If you're suffering from one of these symptoms, book an appointment with your GP.