Liver Canc2/11/20116/8/2014

Liver Cancer

Causes of liver cancer

Liver cancer results from the growth of abnormal cells in the liver. It can be divided into primary liver cancer (which starts in the liver) or secondary liver cancer (which originates in another organ and spreads to the liver).
Liver cancer is the second most common type of cancer amongst men in Macau. Since this cancer has a high mortality rate, its prevention is of particular importance. Awareness of the risk factors which lead to liver cancer will help considerably in its prevention. Some common risk factors are:
    。Males over 60 years of age、
    。Family history of liver cancer、
    。Cirrhosis、
    。Infection with the hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus、
    。Ingestion of foods containing aflatoxins、
    。Excessive consumption of alcohol、
    。Long-term exposure to environmental pollutants (such as inhaling polyvinyl chloride [PVC] used in factories which manufacture plastics).

Do you know ?

That through a healthy lifestyle, we can reduce the risk of developing liver cancer.

Symptoms of liver cancer

Liver cancer usually has no symptoms in its early stages. Noticeable symptoms in later stages include:
    。Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen、
    。Fever、
    。Yellowing of the skin and eyes、
    。Swelling of the abdomen。
    。Dark urine and pale stools、
    。Loss of appetite、
    。Nausea、
    。Weight loss、
    。Fatigue and weakness.

Preventative Measures

Long-term alcohol abuse will lead to cirrhosis of the liver, thereby increasing the chances of developing liver cancer. You can refer to the following advice to help protect your liver:
    。If you do drink alcohol, drink sensibly → Excessive drinking of alcohol over a long period of time may lead to alcohol-related liver cirrhosis which can, over time, develop into liver cancer.、
    。Store food properly → Aflatoxin increases the risk of liver cancer and is produced by certain moulds which can grow on foods such as peanuts, grain and corn that have been stored in warm, moist conditions,、
    。Use condoms and don’t share needles → 1% of persons with less than 20 years of age in Macau are Hepatitis B carriers, whereas 10% of the population with 20 years of age and above have this disease. Both Hepatitis B and C can be transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids, for example during unprotected sex or through the sharing of needles、
    。Get vaccinated against Hepatitis B.