Race and Sex

Because of the hepatitis epidemic in these areas, Asians and Pacific Islanders are more likely than other races to acquire liver cancer. Although Caucasians are less likely to acquire liver cancer, the illness looks to be on the rise. Men are more susceptible to hepatocellular carcinoma risk factors.

Hepatitis B Infection

Hepatitis B infection, which is one of the primary risk factors for liver disease in Africa and much of Asia, is a key risk factor for the development of liver cancer. Persons with chronic hepatitis B are at an increased risk of developing liver cancer; however, some people are at a higher risk than others. 

Treatments are available, but many individuals are unaware that they have the virus or reside in a region where medical treatment is inadequate. Hepatitis B carriers are 100 times more likely than non-carriers to acquire liver cancer, and 2.5 percent of persons with cirrhosis due to hepatitis B (and 0.5 to 1 percent of those without cirrhosis) get liver cancer year.

Hepatitis C Infection

Hepatitis C is also a major risk factor for liver cancer, and it is the main cause of liver cancer in the United States, Europe, and Japan at the moment. In contrast to hepatitis B, many patients do not clear the virus, and the condition progresses. Cirrhosis develops in nearly 20-30% of individuals. It one of the main risk factors for cirrhosis.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is similar to alcoholic liver disease in that it causes fat to accumulate in the liver (fatty liver), but it does so through a different mechanism. It’s considered to be an autoimmune illness (a condition in which the body produces antibodies against itself) with a hereditary component. The risk of liver cancer is higher in people who have NAFLD. 

Immunosuppression

Immunosuppression raises the risk of liver cancer and other types of cancer. Liver cancer is twice as common in organ transplant recipients as it is in the general population, and the risk is considerably higher for individuals who have had a liver transplant.

Aflatoxin Exposure

This is a more important risk factor globally, despite its rarity in the United States. Aflatoxin B1 is a toxin generated by Aspergillus fungus, which may be found in wheat, peanuts, other groundnuts, soybeans, and corn. In liver cells, the toxin damages the p53 gene, a tumor suppressor gene that aids in the repair of damaged DNA and the inhibition of the development of dangerous cells. Studies are being conducted to see if aflatoxin causes liver cancer on its own or as a co-factor when hepatitis B is present.

Genetics

Liver cancer may run in families, and having a family member who has the condition increases your chances of getting it. When it’s a first-degree relative, such as a parent, sibling, or kid, the possibility is greatest. Diseases include:

• Hemochromatosis
• Primary biliary cirrhosis
• Wilson’s disease
• Diabetes

Lifestyle

Alcohol abuse can lead to a variety of liver disorders, including alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic liver disease. Cirrhosis progresses over time, resulting in significant scarring of the liver and, in some cases, liver failure. Heavy drinking, defined as more than three drinks per day, is the most common cause of liver cancer; however, even small quantities can induce severe and permanent liver damage.

Several studies have found a relationship between smoking and liver cancer, with individuals who smoke and drink heavily having a far higher chance of developing the condition. Obesity also raises the chance of developing non-alcoholic liver disease, which quadruples the risk of liver cancer. It also raises the chance of developing diabetes which triples the risk.

Another consideration: weightlifters’ usage of anabolic steroids, such as those used by bodybuilders, puts them at risk for liver illness and prednisone cancer risk.

Get Support

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with liver cancer, please contact All American Hospice, and our professionals will ensure that the finest support and care are provided.