Language
Country/Area
No result found
Hidden risks: Do you know what factors can significantly increase the risk of liver cancer?
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer in adults and one of the leading causes of death in patients with cirrhosis. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma has become the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. This cancer most often develops in people who already have chronic liver disease, particularly in the setting of cirrhosis or fibrosis. Hepatocellular carcinoma is relatively rare in people without chronic liver disease. This article will explore the different factors that increase your risk of hepatocellular carcinoma so that you can understand these potential hidden risks.
Globally, chronic viral hepatitis, such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C, accounts for an estimated 80% of HCC cases, with the highest incidence in Asia.
Risk Factors for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Some risk factors for chronic liver disease significantly increase the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma. These factors include:
- Chronic viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and hepatitis C)
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
- Alcoholic liver disease
- Certain toxins (such as aflatoxin, etc.)
- Inherited disorders (such as iron overload and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency)
In addition to medical conditions, certain lifestyle habits can increase your risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Excessive alcohol consumption is considered a major cause of cirrhosis and may eventually lead to hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, obesity and diabetes are associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which are also considered significant risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
HCC usually presents in people who already have chronic liver disease and may present with nonspecific symptoms such as abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and unexpected weight loss. When faced with suspected HCC, the use of imaging studies such as CT or MRI becomes crucial, as these tests can effectively evaluate the condition of the liver.
Prevention and Treatment
The key to preventing hepatocellular carcinoma is to prevent the factors that cause the disease. For example, getting the hepatitis B vaccine can reduce the risk of future liver cancer. In addition, for patients with chronic hepatitis C, appropriate treatment can reduce the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. Unfortunately, even when HCC is detected early, the five-year survival rate is only about 18%. Therefore, early detection and treatment are crucial, which can not only improve the success rate of treatment but also significantly prolong the patient's life.
Social Impact
According to the study data, most cases of hepatocellular carcinoma occur in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, where hepatitis B is prevalent and patients can be affected from birth. In high-income countries such as the United States, the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma is also rising due to an increase in hepatitis C cases. In addition, the growth of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is also considered to be one of the main reasons for the increase in hepatocellular carcinoma cases.
ConclusionStudies have found that men have three times the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma as women, but the reasons behind this phenomenon remain unknown.
Various factors hidden in daily life, such as chronic liver disease, lifestyle habits and family history, may widely affect the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Understanding these risk factors may lead to more effective prevention and early diagnosis. Are you aware of the potential risk factors in your life and are you ready to take action to reduce your risk of liver cancer?
