These lifestyle factors increase liver cancer risk

Posted by Dr. Sachin Palnitkar on June 9th, 2021

Your liver is one of your body's most hardworking organs.

The liver, which is located on the upper right side of your body just underneath your diaphragm, assists digestion, transforms fats into energy, regulates cholesterol levels, and breaks down poisons such as drugs and alcohol, among other functions.

Surprisingly, the liver can renew itself! If there is at least 25% of a healthy liver left, it will grow back to its previous size.

It is a true workhorse that is essential to our general physical function. Unfortunately, the liver can be affected by a variety of disorders, including cancer.

While it is not the most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States, it is the fastest-growing cause of death in the country. In the previous 40 years, the number of patients diagnosed with liver cancer has tripled.

Obesity, smoking, and high alcohol consumption are all factors contributing to this rise in liver disease.

The causes of liver cancer are unknown, however chronic hepatitis B and C infection appears to be the predominant risk factor.

Other risk factors include

1. having a long term hepatitis B or Hepatitis C viral infection

2. Alcohol Consumption

3. Liver cirrhosis

Usually, the signs of liver cancer aren’t apparent until the cancer is more advanced. The most common symptoms of liver cancer include:

• Losing weight without trying

• Appetite loss

• Feeling very full after a small meal

• Nausea or vomiting

• A feeling of fullness under the ribs on the right side (an enlarged liver)

• A feeling of fullness under the ribs on the left side (an enlarged spleen)

• Pain in the abdomen or near the right shoulder blade

• Swelling or fluid build-up in the abdomen

• Itching

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

Having saying that, there are several things you can do to maintain your liver healthy. It all boils down to the fundamentals of healthy living: consume nutritious foods and exercise regularly. Stop smoking if you are a smoker. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

Looking For Liver Cancer Treatment? Contact Dr. Sachin Palnitkar Gastroentrologist in Pune.