Anything
that increases your chance of developing a disease is called a 'risk
factor'. There are lots of different risk factors associated with
every disease, including cancer. However, just because you have one
(or more) of these risk factors, it doesn't mean that you WILL get
the disease, it just means that you are more at risk than someone who
does not have that risk factor. Risk factors often influence the
development of cancer but most do not directly cause cancer. Certain
risk factors can be avoided. For example, smoking and drinking
excessive alcohol are risk factors for numerous diseases including
liver cancer, and avoiding these risk factors can be achieved by
simple lifestyle changes. However, other risk factors cannot be
avoided, for example your age or inheriting certain genes. Knowing
and understanding your risk factors, and avoiding those you can, will
help you lower your risk of developing liver cancer.
What
are the risk factors of liver cancer?
Infection
with hepatitis virus
Hepatitis
is caused by hepatitis virus and causes swelling and inflammation of
the liver. The accumulation of this liver damage over time can
increase the risk of liver cancer. Hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C
that develops into chronic disease are some of the main risk factors
for developing liver cancer, estimated to cause ~71% of liver cancer
cases worldwide. Hepatitis B is a serious illness with the potential
to become chronic, cause cirrhosis (liver scarring) and lead to liver
cancer. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is spread through contact with
infected blood, semen or other bodily fluids. Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
is also spread through infected blood and can cause mild to serious
illness, also with the potential to become chronic, cause cirrhosis
and lead to liver cancer. The longer the hepatitis infection lasts,
the greater the risk of developing liver cancer. In addition, people
infected with both HBV and HCV have an even greater risk.
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis
is the term used to describe extensive liver scarring. When healthy
liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, it can block the blood flow
through the liver preventing it from functioning properly. Cirrhosis
can be caused by chronic hepatitis infection (particularly hepatitis
C) as well as chronic alcohol use.
Other
liver conditions
Non-alcoholic
fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
are conditions where fat accumulates in the liver leading to damage,
cirrhosis and liver failure. NAFLD in particular is increasingly
becoming a risk factor for liver cancer.
Haemochromatosis
is a genetic disorder that causes the body to absorb too much iron
from ingested food and can increase your risk of developing liver
cancer.
Aflatoxin
Aflatoxin
is a poison from a fungus that can grow on foods that have not been
stored properly, such as grains and nuts. Consuming foods that
contain aflatoxin may increase your risk of developing liver cancer.
Lifestyle
factors
Obesity,
chronic alcohol use and smoking are some of the common lifestyle
factors that may increase your risk of developing liver cancer. This
is because they are risk factors for developing the other liver
conditions which may lead to liver cancer. For example, high levels
of alcohol consumption can cause cirrhosis. Likewise, NAFLD is more
common in people who are overweight or obese, particularly those who
also have type 2 diabetes or abnormal cholesterol levels.
Other
risk factors
Adult
primary liver cancer is more common in men and people over 60 years
of age.
Knowing
and understanding your risk factors will help you make informed
lifestyle and healthcare decisions. Discuss your concerns with your
doctor who will help you reduce your risk and work towards preventing
the development of liver cancer.
Useful
resources
NCI’s
PDQ cancer information summary about liver cancer prevention and risk
factors
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