Liver cancer risks and prevention

Liver cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the cells of the liver, an essential organ responsible for filtering toxins, producing bile, and storing nutrients. A risk factor is something that increases the likelihood of developing cancer that impacts these functions. Liver disease and unhealthy habits like excessive alcohol use can damage liver tissue over time, increasing the chance of it turning into liver cancer.

While some liver cancer risk factors are beyond your control, you can manage others. Avoiding smoking and maintaining a healthy weight are two effective ways to lower your risk of developing liver cancer.

Liver cancer risk factors

There are several risk factors for liver cancer, including:

• Hepatitis: Long-term infection with hepatitis B or hepatitis C viruses can raise the risk of liver cancer.
• Heavy alcohol use: Drinking too much alcohol over many years can damage the liver and increase the risk of liver cancer.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese raises the risk of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cirrhosis, which can both lead to liver cancer.
• Diabetes: People with type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of liver cancer, especially if they also have other risk factors like heavy alcohol use or hepatitis.
• Inherited diseases: Genetic disorders such as hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease can increase the risk of liver cancer.
• Tobacco use: Smoking can raise the risk of liver cancer.
• Anabolic steroid use: Long-term use of anabolic steroids raises the risk of developing liver cancer.
• Aflatoxin exposure: Eating foods contaminated with aflatoxins, which are produced by certain molds, can increase liver cancer risk.
• Gender and age: Liver cancer is more common in people assigned male at birth, and the risk increases with age.
• Ethnicity: Certain ethnic groups, such as Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, have a higher rate of liver cancer.
• Chemical exposure: Contact with chemicals like vinyl chloride and thorium dioxide can increase the risk of liver cancer.

It’s important to note that while these factors can contribute to an increased risk of liver cancer, some people diagnosed with the disease have no identifiable risk factors.

Liver cancer prevention

Even though you can’t always prevent liver cancer, taking these steps can lower your risk:

• Get vaccinated against hepatitis B
• Avoid activities that might cause a hepatitis C infection, such as unsafe sex or illegal drug use
• Limit how much alcohol you drink
• Keep a healthy weight
• Manage your diabetes well
• Stay away from aflatoxins (chemicals found in some foods)
• Quit smoking
• Eat a balanced and healthy diet
• Avoid harmful chemicals

Discuss liver cancer prevention with your doctor

Talk to your doctor about ways to prevent liver cancer and how to manage any risk factors you might have. If you have conditions like chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, or a family history of liver cancer, regular screenings are important.

Learn about liver cancer screening