LEXINGTON – The U.S. is confronting an important public health issue, as liver cancer ranks as the sixth-leading cause of cancer death nationwide. The most prevalent form of liver cancer in adults is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), notably more common in men than in women.
According to Dr. Joseph Kim, a surgeon at the UK Markey Cancer Center, HCC chiefly affects individuals with chronic liver diseases, including infections from the hepatitis virus or cirrhosis. Raising awareness about preventative measures is essential, especially since many liver cancer cases are deemed preventable.
Various risk factors contribute to the likelihood of developing liver cancer. Key factors include Hepatitis B virus infection, Hepatitis C virus infection, cirrhosis, excessive alcohol consumption, exposure to aflatoxin B1, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), smoking, certain medications, and genetic predispositions.
To mitigate the risk of liver cancer, individuals can take proactive steps. Getting vaccinated against hepatitis B is crucial, as the virus targets the liver and often shows no symptoms until it has progressed significantly. The vaccination, typically administered to newborns, has been shown to lower liver cancer risk in children, though its effects on adults require more research. An adult dosage is available.
For those infected with chronic hepatitis B, specific treatments like interferon and nucleos(t)ide analog therapy may help reduce liver cancer risk. Conversely, hepatitis C, for which there is currently no vaccine, can be managed through treatments that cure most infections. Preventing transmission—by avoiding behaviors like needle sharing or unregulated tattoos—is vital.
Maintaining a healthy liver is also a significant preventative measure. While cirrhosis results from severe liver damage typically caused by hepatitis or chronic alcohol use, early detection and intervention can limit further harm. Notably, individuals with cirrhosis related to heavy alcohol consumption face a tenfold increased risk of developing liver cancer compared to non-cirrhotic heavy drinkers.
Moreover, quitting smoking is strongly advised, as research links it to heightened liver cancer risk, which intensifies with both frequency and the duration of smoking. Individuals concerned about their risk factors for liver cancer should consult their primary care physician for assessments and actionable next steps.
As efforts to spread awareness continue, understanding the intersection between lifestyle choices, chronic liver diseases, and their relationship to liver cancer is more important than ever.
