Liver Cancer Awareness: What You Should Know

It might not be one of the most common types of cancer, but liver cancer is on the rise. Liver cancer cases have more than tripled in the last four decades, and death rates for that type of cancer have doubled. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 41,260 new cases of liver cancer this year and 30,520 deaths related to liver cancer.

While many patients are asymptomatic in the early stages of liver cancer, there are signs and symptoms to watch out for. There are also risk factors you should be aware of, as well as lifestyle factors that may lower your risk for liver cancer.

Symptoms of Liver Cancer

  • Loss of appetite
  • Feeling of fullness from little intake of food
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Abdominal swelling
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Upper abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • White, chalky stool
  • Itching

It is important to schedule a checkup promptly if you experience any of those symptoms. Although your symptoms may be caused by other conditions, treatment for liver cancer is usually most effective when the cancer is caught early.

Risk Factors for Liver Cancer

  • Chronic viral Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C
  • Cirrhosis
  • Genetic metabolic diseases
  • Some rare diseases, such as Wilson’s disease, tyrosinemia and glycogen storage diseases
  • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
  • Heavy alcohol consumption
  • Smoking
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Long-term exposure to toxins, including aflatoxins (fungal growth on nuts, soybeans, corn and rice) and vinyl chloride (chemical used in some plastics)
  • Long-term use of anabolic steroids

Gender and ethnicity are also risk factors for liver cancer. It is more common in women and in people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent. Worldwide, viral hepatitis is the most common cause of liver cancer, with Hepatitis C being the most common cause in the United States.

While there are no guidelines for screening, many physicians will suggest regular evaluations for those at a high risk for developing liver cancer. Blood tests and ultrasound exams may be performed regularly in order to catch any early cancer.

The five-year relative survival rate is 35% for localized cancer (meaning that it hasn’t spread outside of the liver). This rate drops significantly to just 12% at the regional stage (cancer has spread nearby or to lymph nodes) and 3% for distant progression to the lungs or other more distant areas of the body.

Reducing Your Liver Cancer Risk

There are a number of ways to lower your risk for developing liver cancer. Our top tips for liver cancer prevention include:

  • Avoid Hepatitis B and C infections, which means having safe sex and not sharing needles (including when being tattooed).
  • Get tested if you are at high risk for hepatitis infection. This includes people who:
    • Were born between 1945 to 1965, as this is the most common age group infected.
    • Received a blood transfusion or organ transplant prior to screening being introduced in July 1992.
    • Have received long-term hemodialysis treatment.
    • Are infected with HIV.
    • Have injected drugs.
    • Think they may be at risk from sharing needles or having unprotected sex.
  • Seek treatment for chronic Hepatitis B or C infection.
  • Treat other diseases that increase the risk of liver cancer, such as diabetes.
  • Don’t smoke.
  • Drink in moderation, or don’t drink at all.
  • Maintain a healthy weight, or lose weight if you are overweight. People who are overweight have a greater incidence of diabetes and fatty liver, which are both risk factors for liver cancer.
  • Avoid exposure to cancer-causing chemicals.

October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month. Take some time this month to speak to your loved ones about liver cancer and how they can reduce their risk.

GastroIntestinal Specialists, A.M.C. is the largest independent gastroenterology group in Northwest Louisiana. Their board-certified physicians have more than 150 years of combined experience in providing quality care that you can trust. To schedule an appointment, visit www.gis.md or call (318) 631-9121.