Liver Cancer Symptoms: The liver is one of the most important organs, helping to remove toxins from the body. It cleanses our blood, aids digestion, stores energy, produces protein, strengthens the immune system, stores vitamins and minerals, and regulates hormones. The liver is our body’s filter; if its health remains poor for a long time, it can even lead to cancer. In India and most Asian regions, people are increasingly falling prey to liver-related diseases. Here, we’re talking about liver cancer.
When it comes to cancer, the ground is slipping from under our feet. There are many causes of liver cancer, the most important of which is poor diet. The risk of developing liver cancer increases significantly after cirrhosis.
There are many symptoms in our body that indicate the presence of liver cancer. If these symptoms are ignored for a long time, the cancer progresses to various stages, and then becomes incurable. In this article, we will explain to you through experts why liver cancer occurs. What are its symptoms and what lifestyle changes can you make to significantly reduce its risk?
Learn from an expert why liver cancer occurs?
Dr. Mukesh Nagar of the Oncology Department at Safdarjung Hospital explains that long-term poor eating habits are a major cause of liver cancer. Chronic hepatitis B and C infections are also considered a major factor. These viruses increase the risk of cirrhosis and subsequent cancer. Hepatitis is caused by transfusion of infected blood. In some cases, long-term alcohol consumption also damages liver cells and leads to cancer. The most common cause of liver cancer is chronic hepatitis B or C virus infection. Hepatitis B, a disease caused by poor hygiene, accounts for the highest number of cases in India.
This causes long-term inflammation of the liver, which then leads to cirrhosis. If this problem is not addressed, the situation can progress to cancer. However, HBV infection at birth or in childhood increases the risk of liver cancer by 90 percent. Excessive alcohol consumption is a major cause of liver cancer. Those who are addicted to alcohol, if they continue to drink excessively for years, increase their risk of liver cancer manifold.
Symptoms of Liver Cancer
Experts say that sudden and rapid weight loss indicates a risk of a serious disease like cancer. Thyroid disease can also be the cause of rapid weight loss, but if this is the case, cancer-related tests should be conducted. If abdominal pain persists due to fatty liver, but persists for a long time, this could also be a symptom of liver cancer. Persistent heaviness or frequent indigestion is also a symptom of liver cancer.
How to Prevent Liver Cancer?
- The best way to prevent liver cancer is to take good care of yourself. Pay special attention to healthy lifestyle changes and infection prevention.
- Most importantly, protect yourself from hepatitis B. Get vaccinated, as this reduces the risk of this disease by 95%. A single injection provides long-term protection. Additionally, get tested for hepatitis C.
- If you drink alcohol, try to quit or cut back. Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the liver, leading to cirrhosis.
- It’s important to keep fatty liver under control. Poor diet and obesity can worsen fatty liver problems. If your liver becomes fatty, consume healthy drinks and seek medical treatment.
