Six unknown warning signs of liver cancer have been revealed following the death of Everton chairman Bill Kenwright

Legendary West End theater producer and Everton FC chairman Bill Kenwright has died aged 78 after a battle with liver cancer.

The Liverpool man, also known as “Uncle Bill”, died “peacefully” on Monday night surrounded by his loved ones, his family said.

The former Coronation Street star underwent surgery in August to remove the cancer, which kills around 6,000 Britons each year.

Although the operation was successful, complications meant he had to spend “a long period” in intensive care, Everton said at the time.

Here, MailOnline shares some warning signs of the disease, which is believed to be the UK’s fastest-rising cancer death rate. The death rate has tripled since the early 1970s.

Symptoms of liver cancer include jaundice, weight loss and a swollen abdomen or lump

Yellowing of the skin

Liver cancer can cause yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, also known as jaundice.

According to Cancer Research UK, this occurs when the tumor has caused a blockage in the bile ducts or interferes with the proper functioning of the liver.

The bile duct is a tube that normally drains fluid called bilirubin – a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down – from the liver to the small intestine.

But tumors can cause bilirubin to build up in the blood, which can cause yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.

You may also experience pale stools, dark urine and itchy skin.

However, according to the NHS, as well as cancer, jaundice can also be caused by alcohol-related liver disease, gallstones, hepatitis, pancreatitis and sickle cell anaemia.

Anyone suffering from jaundice is urged to seek urgent medical attention. The health department notes that the disease is common in newborns and is usually harmless.

The director with Andrew Lloyd Webber at a press night after party for Whistle Down The Wind at Hilton Green Park in 2006

Swollen stomach

A swollen stomach can be a sign of liver cancer.

As the tumor grows, there may be swelling on the right side of the abdomen, according to Cancer Research UK.

In addition, a swollen stomach can be caused by a tumor that increases pressure in the liver, which can cause blood to pool in the veins. This pressure can cause ascites – when fluid is pushed out of the veins and collects in the abdomen.

Liver cancer can also cause ascites if the organ does not produce enough albumin – a blood protein that prevents fluid from leaking out of the bloodstream.

A swollen stomach can be accompanied by swollen veins visible below the surface of the stomach due to increased pressure in the liver, the charity says.

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright, along with his long-term partner, actress Jenny Seagrove, has died aged 78.

A button on your right

A lump on the right side of your stomach can be a warning sign of liver cancer.

There is a hard lump just below the rib cage which can be painful and could be a tumour, according to the NHS. It may not become visible until a later date when the tumor has grown.

Oddly enough, this lump can also cause pain in the right shoulder, according to Macmillan.

This so-called referred pain can occur when the liver stimulates the nerves below the diaphragm – the muscle tissue below the lungs – which is connected to the nerves in the right shoulder.

Bill Kenwright dies aged 78: Everton chairman and legendary West End theater impresario behind Blood Brothers, Joseph and Fame dies days after returning from liver cancer operation

Itchy skin

Liver cancer can not only turn the skin yellow, but can also cause itching.

This itching is caused by bile salts.

The liver produces bile to help digest food. However, if the bile ducts are blocked, which can be caused by a tumor, bile salts can build up in the skin.

This can cause severe itching, says Macmillan.

The charity recommends gargling to wash away bile salts and using a moisturizer to relieve itching.

Loss of appetite

Many symptoms of liver cancer can affect digestion and therefore appetite.

Nausea, indigestion and a painful and swollen stomach are symptoms of liver cancer affecting your digestion, according to the NHS.

According to Cancer Research, people with liver cancer may therefore lose their appetite and feel full after consuming small amounts.

weight loss

Losing a lot of weight without wanting to can be a sign of liver cancer.

This can happen when symptoms such as loss of appetite or a swollen stomach cause a person to eat less than normal.

However, for many cancer patients there is an external trigger for weight loss.

According to Cancer Research UK, weight loss can occur as a result of cachexia.

Also called wasting syndrome, it is a condition in which the body does not absorb all the fats, proteins and carbohydrates from food and burns calories faster than normal. It can occur in cancer patients and people with chronic diseases.

The charity is urging people to see their doctor if there is no obvious reason for their weight loss so a doctor can investigate.