Primary liver cancer is an abnormal tissue growth, or tumour, arising from cells within the liver. The liver is one of the largest organs of the human body and performs many essential tasks such as purifying the blood, processing nutrients, making blood clotting factors, and preventing infection.

Liver cancer is the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Liver cancer may spread into nearby tissues, lymph nodes or organs, disrupting their function.

 

Liver cancer causes?

Primary liver cancer occurs when liver cells develop mutations in their DNA leading to an uncontrolled and disordered division of cells to form a mass or tumour.

 

Cancer can also spread (metastasise) to the liver from other parts of the body, such as the colon, lung or breast. These secondary cancers are named by the site of the primary cancer and may have different causes.

 

Primary liver cancer can be caused by diseases which affect the liver, including:

● Chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV)

● Liver Cirrhosis – scarring of liver tissue due to liver disease, often due to alcohol abuse

● Inherited liver diseases such as haemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease

● Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease – accumulation of fat in the liver

 

Other factors which may increase the risk of developing liver cancer include:

● Diabetes

● Exposure to various toxins which may cause cancer

● Excessive alcohol consumption

But liver cancer can also occur with no clear cause or underlying disease.

 

What can I do to prevent liver cancer?

Not all liver cancer can be prevented, but you can reduce your risk for some known causes of liver cancer by:

● Drinking alcohol in moderation, if at all

● Maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular exercise. If you need to lose weight, aim for a slow, steady weight loss.

● Ensuring you are vaccinated against hepatitis B

● Reducing your risk of hepatitis B and C infection by avoiding sexually transmitted diseases, intravenous drug use, and piercings or tattoos from unregulated providers

 

Remember:

A healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of developing liver cancer. Early detection can improve treatment outcomes. Screening may be recommended for those at a higher risk of developing liver cancer.