Liver cancer, including primary liver cancer and intrahepatic bile duct cancer, is a significant health concern. This year, more than 41,000 new cases are expected in the U.S., with nearly 30,000 deaths projected, as per the American Cancer Society.
The liver, a crucial organ for digestion and detoxification, is located in the upper right part of the abdomen. Liver cancer starts in the cells of the liver.
Intrahepatic bile duct cancer, often classified under liver cancer, affects the bile ducts within the liver. These ducts play a vital role in digestion by carrying bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine.
Several risk factors are associated with primary liver cancer:
- Chronic Hepatitis Infection: Long-term infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) significantly raises liver cancer risk.
- Cirrhosis: This condition, characterized by liver scarring, heightens the likelihood of developing liver cancer.
- Inherited Liver Diseases: Conditions like hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease can increase liver cancer risk.
- Diabetes: Diabetics are at a higher risk compared to those without the condition.
- Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Fat accumulation in the liver boosts the risk.
- Aflatoxin Exposure: Aflatoxins, produced by molds on poorly stored crops, can contaminate food products and increase liver cancer risk.
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Long-term heavy drinking can lead to liver damage and elevate cancer risk.
Preventing liver cancer involves several strategies:
- Reducing Cirrhosis Risk: Limiting alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent cirrhosis.
- Hepatitis B Vaccination: The hepatitis B vaccine is a preventive measure available for almost everyone, including infants and those with weakened immune systems.
- Preventing Hepatitis C: There’s no vaccine for hepatitis C, but risks can be minimized by avoiding unprotected sex, not sharing needles, and ensuring sterile equipment for piercings and tattoos.
- Treatment for Hepatitis: Treating hepatitis B and C can reduce liver cancer risk. It’s advisable to discuss liver cancer screening with healthcare professionals.
For the general population, liver cancer screening is not routinely recommended as it has not been proven to decrease mortality risk.
However, individuals with increased risk factors, such as hepatitis or liver cirrhosis, may consider regular screenings, typically involving blood tests and abdominal ultrasound exams every six months.
This information underscores the importance of understanding liver cancer risk factors and adopting preventive measures.
Regular discussions with healthcare teams are crucial for those at risk to decide on appropriate screening and prevention strategies.
If you care about liver health, please read studies about a diet that can treat fatty liver disease and obesity, and coffee drinkers may halve their risk of liver cancer.
For more information about liver health, please see recent studies that anti-inflammatory diet could help prevent fatty liver disease, and results showing vitamin D could help prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
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