Liver Cancer: What Factors Can Trigger, Stop It 12 hours ago Darwin Malicdem Cancer , Diseases & Conditions , Featured , Liver Damage no Comments May 31, 2016
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Liver cancer is the 6th most common cancer worldwide that starts from the cells of the liver. More than 700,000 new cases of the disease are being reported each year throughout the world, with highest rates found in Eastern Asia.
Liver cancer commonly affects men than women, but the risk for all people increases as we get older. Around the world, about eight in 10 cases are diagnosed in people aged 60 and over.
According to the American Cancer Society, liver cancer causes over 600,000 deaths each year, making it one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. In the US, about 27,170 deaths are expected to be reported in 2016.
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To avoid the disease, you must know what factors can increase the risk of developing it. Here are the factors that you must observe according to Cancer Research UK:
Liver Cancer Risks
Radiation from X-rays or CT scans. X-rays and scans can significantly help in diagnosing illness, but experts warn people must have the right procedure as its radiation has been found to increase the risk of liver cancer.
Betel quid. Studies show people who chew betel quid may have an increased risk. It is composed of betel leaf, areca nut and slaked lime, and it may also contain tobacco.
Aflatoxin. It is a substance present in moldy peanuts, wheat, soya beans, groundnuts, corn and rice. Researchers found that people who were exposed to aflatoxin over a long period of time have a higher liver cancer risk.
Smoking. Smoking increases the risk of cancer especially for those who have hepatitis B or C virus infection. Those who smoke and drink large amounts of alcohol may also increase their risk 10 times higher.
Alcohol. Consumption of five units of alcohol each day increases your risk of having liver cancer. This amount is above the government guidelines for alcohol intake. Heavy drinking may damage the DNA in liver cells, which can cause cancer.
Cirrhosis. This condition may occur due to hepatitis B or C, long term alcohol drinking, and inherited diseases, such as iron overload disorder and alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency. Cirrhosis increases liver cancer risk depending on how it developed.
Low immunity. People with HIV or AIDS have lower immunity, putting them at higher risk of having cancer. Studies show HIV and AIDS can increase the risk around five times higher.
Lupus. People with the chronic condition systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE also have a higher risk of developing liver cancer.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Thefat that builds up in the liver may trigger the development of cancer as it can cause inflammation and damage, leading to cirrhosis.
Diabetes. Higher levels of insulin or liver damage due to diabetes increases liver cancer risk in patients.
Body weight. The risk of having liver cancer increases in people who are obese or overweight as they commonly have diabetes or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Family history. If you have relatives who have liver cancer or previously suffered from the disease, you are at high risk of developing it.
Liver Cancer Prevention
If you think you are at risk of having liver cancer, there are ways that you can still avoid it.
You can prevent the disease from developing by drinking more coffee and eating vegetables or fish. According to American Cancer Society, people who commonly consume coffee, vegetables or fish have a lower liver cancer risk.
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Statins may also help you avoid the disease. A lower risk of liver cancer was found in people who took statins, which reduce cholesterol level in the blood.
People should also limit alcohol intake. Not drinking alcohol or drinking in moderation could help prevent liver cancer as heavy consumption can cause cirrhosis.
Achieving weight loss and staying at a healthy weight may also protect you against the disease.
People must always observe their exposure to the factors that can cause cancer. Early diagnosis is important.
The earlier cancer is detected the treatment is more likely to be successful. Always consider going to your GP as soon as possible if you notice worrying symptoms.
Photo: Flickr
Tags:liver cancer, Liver cancer causes, liver cancer prevention, Liver cancer risks
About Author
Darwin Malicdem [url=]199 Posts[/url]Darwin is a full-time writer and editor. What he aims is to help readers learn and be healthy by reading his stories. But he also writes about space, conspiracies and artificial intelligence. Follow him on Twitter @DarwinMcM
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