Liver cancer is counted amongst the most common types of the digestive system associated cancers. Out of this, primary liver cancer is the six most frequently diagnosed cancer and fourth principal cause of cancer mortality around the globe.
It is estimated 841,000 cases of liver cancer and 782,000 deaths in 2018
Talking about managing this cancer, an inter-professional team is required, including oncologist, pathologist, radiologist, hepatobiliary surgeon, dietitian and palliative care nurses. There are certain treatment options available, but these only enhance the life expectancy by 6 to 18 months. Radiation therapy or surgery might be needed to manage the metastatic liver diseases. The cases at early or very early stage may be deemed for resection or liver transplant.
However, evidence suggests that dietary intake of various foods can be effective in preventing liver cancer.These are grapes, black currant, cruciferous vegetables, tomatoes, garlic, french beans, turmeric, rice bran, soy, and ginger. The consumption of these vegetables significantly reduces the risk of this deadly cancer.
Other than this, other preventive strategies also found to be efficacious in this concern. For instance, considering the risk factors which lead to developing this cancer.
Let's explore what natural ways can prevent healthy liver cells from turning into cancerous cells.
- Liver Cancer
- Types of Cancer
- Risk Factors
- Liver Cancer Preventive Tips
Liver Cancer
Initiation of a malignant tumor anywhere in the liver, leads to cancer development. It is also known as hepatic cancer. It can be asymptomatic. However, after shifting in advance stage or else when the tumor leads to blockage of major blood vessels, also known as bile duct.
Type of Cancer
Liver cancer includes majorly two types of cancer.
Primary
It begins from the liver tissues. It can be of two types: Hepatocellular carcinoma and Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer).
Secondary
It is a metastatic form of cancer, occurs when cancer spreads to the liver from other parts of the body.
Risk Factors
- Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection
- Cirrhosis
- Diabetes
- Inherited liver disorders
- Fat accumulation in the liver
- High alcohol and tobacco intake
- Exposure to aflatoxin
Liver Cancer Preventive Tips
Hepatitis Vaccination
Hepatitis is one of the common risk factors which increases the risk of liver cancer. Certain scientific studies have shown that the core protein present in HCV virus has a potent oncogenic potential.
The major threat is that it can spread person to person via contaminated needles, during childbirth, sexual contact and blood transfusion. The disease can be preventable. However, there is no vaccine available for hepatitis C, but certain treatments are definitely present to manage the condition.
Get treatment and vaccinated against this deadly disease to get yourself protected from liver cancer.
Limit Alcohol and Tobacco Intake
Tobacco and alcohol intake leads to severe liver damage. These two bad habits exerts potent toxic side effects on the liver and enhance necroinflammation and fibrosis. This can further lead to chronic liver diseases, if not corrected on time.
Limit Exposure to Carcinogens
There is a carcinogen, known with the name aflatoxin. This is a fungus that contaminates soybeans, ground nuts, corn, peanuts, and rice, when stored in a moist warm environment. The long term exposure to this carcinogen can become a major risk for liver cancer development.
Healthy Lifestyle
Live a healthy life and eat healthy. Obesity or diabetes are another two major risk factors of this cancer. Obesity can lead to fat accumulation in the liver and this can lead to severe adverse impact on the liver.
This might increase your chances of getting liver damage. A healthy lifestyle can prevent and reduce your risk of getting liver cancer.
Follow these natural and easy liver cancer preventive tips