Imagine a scenario where your neighbourhood garbage disposal workers go on strike. The waste keeps accumulating and all toxic and non-toxic materials are mixed together right there at your doorstep. Overtime it is going to lead to bad odour, bacteria and a possibility of diseases.
Now imagine the same thing happening inside our body, toxins and waste increasing faster than they can be processed and excreted by the body. This is what happens when there is liver damage. We all associate kidneys with the excretion process but seldom remember that it is the liver which is responsible for breaking down toxic substances to enable excretion by bile or blood.
The liver is a vital organ in our body performing hundreds of functions while also supporting other major organs in functioning properly. An ill-functioning or damaged liver can lead to several problems including the dreaded liver cancer.
What is Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer is caused by abnormal cell growth in the liver. In some cases this cell growth may be a benign tumour (which is not cancerous) affecting the functioning of the liver and can be removed through surgery. On the other hand, in case, this cell growth becomes cancerous it results in liver cancer.
Causes of Liver Cancer
While there is little research to certainly state what causes liver cancer, there are several factors which increases one’s chances of this disease. These risk factors include:
Cirrhosis: This is an irreversible condition which results in the formation of scar tissue in the liver and increases the chances of liver cancer. The most common causes for cirrhosis include excessive alcohol consumption and hepatitis b or c infection.
Gender: Liver cancer is seen more often in men than in women. As per the American Cancer Society, the lifetime risk for men is 1 in 81, while for women it is 1 in 196. In India, WHO has found the male-female ratio of liver cancer to be 4:1.
Diabetes and Obesity: People with type II diabetes or obesity are at a higher risk of liver cancer as it can cause liver damage due to fatty liver disease and/or cirrhosis.
Alcohol consumption: The number one cause for cirrhosis and thus liver cancer is excess alcohol. Limiting alcohol is the number one step to care for your liver.
Certain medicines: Several medicines may have long term effects that damage the liver and increase chances of liver cancer. This is why it is imperative to never self-medicate, even with common painkillers, and always consult a doctor before starting any medicine.
Tobacco: Chewing tobacco and smoking also increase one’s chances of liver cancer significantly and are best completely avoided.
Symptoms of Liver cancer
Symptoms for liver cancer may not arise instantly but can be revealed by the following:
- Reduced appetite
- Pain or swelling in abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Abdominal swelling
- Weight loss
- Jaundice
Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer
This cancer is generally diagnosed with the help of a blood test and imaging scan, followed by a liver biopsy if required. Based on the condition and extent of the cancer, the doctors may suggest surgery or extensive treatment with radiation and chemotherapy.
As per the American Cancer Society, the average age at diagnosis of liver cancer is 63. More than 95% of people diagnosed with liver cancer are 45 years of age or older.
The 5-year survival rate for this disease is quite low at about 17%. This is because liver cancer is usually the result of severe liver damage or disease such as cirrhosis, which is fatal in itself. Thus it is essential to live a healthy lifestyle to care for and protect this vital organ.
However, the good news is that many doctors believe about 70% cases of liver cancer can be avoided with a healthy lifestyle. Limiting alcohol, not sharing needles, not doing drugs, practicing safe sex, maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, hygienic lifestyles and avoiding tobacco can greatly reduce the risk of liver damage and thus liver cancer.
