Did you know your body is made of trillions of cells, and each of these cells performs their unique job? Cancer is the condition when these cells become faulty and start multiplying uncontrollably. In this blog, we will be highlighting more about liver cancer, mentioning the causes behind it and the risk factors that lead to serious conditions.
Before learning about the problem of the liver, it is important to know about the functions of the liver in our body and what its importance is in having a healthy life. Stay tuned and get the complete information about your vital organ: the liver.
The Liver Importance and Functions:
The liver is known as the vital organ of our body, and its main role is in maintaining our overall health and well-being. Being located in the upper right portion of the abdominal cavity, the liver is known to perform several tasks, like detoxification, where the liver filters the waste products and removes them from the body.
Apart from detoxification, the liver is also known to perform tasks such as bile production, which is essential in the body for breaking down fats and absorbing the fat-soluble vitamins.
Other main functions are mainly:
- Metabolism
- Immune System Support
- Regulation of hormones
- Storage of Glycogen and many more
After getting the description of the liver and its importance in our body, let’s move forward to get the information about the malfunctioning of the liver when its cells start multiplying uncontrollably, leading to liver cancer.
Want to know about the main causes of liver cancer? Keep reading to learn more about liver cancer and take proactive steps to eliminate risk factors that may lead to the disease.
A Complete Guide to Liver Cancer Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention
The cancer type hepatocellular carcinoma is a common liver cancer that is named so because it affects the primary cells of the liver. The primary cells of the liver are called hepatocytes, which perform major liver functions like detoxification, metabolism, and so on. This cancer mainly occurs when faulty or abnormal cells in the liver start growing uncontrollably, which further leads to tumours.
Hence, getting the idea about liver cancer and what it is, you might be thinking about the cause and the risk factors behind it. Read below and get the complete details so that you can avoid and keep yourself safe.
Some common causes of liver cancer explained:
Although it is known that liver cancer is caused by the combination of the individual’s lifestyle, certain environmental factors, and sometimes genetic factors, some known risk factors mainly causing liver cancer are mentioned below, avoiding which you can remove the risk of cancer as well. Some of the most common causes and risk factors include:
- Chronic hepatitis B and C infections
- Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
- Fatty liver disease
- Alcohol abuse
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Family history of liver cancer
- Exposure to certain chemicals, such as aflatoxins
Now, the question is, how can you recognise liver cancer in its early stages? To know about this, let us continue further so that a person can notice in their body if they are in the initial stage of cancer and can take preventive measures to avoid its further increasing.
Symptoms of Liver Cancer:
In its early stages, liver cancer may not produce any noticeable symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, you may experience:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
What are the preventive measures for avoiding liver cancer?
Seeing the risk factors and causes behind liver cancer, certain factors cannot be prevented, like genetic issues. But apart from that, other factors can be avoided, and hence people can take the next step for the prevention of liver cancer.
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis B
- Practice safe sex to reduce your risk of hepatitis B and C
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid exposure to certain chemicals
Last Word:
Let’s conclude this blog with warm wishes, taking promise from every individual to take the preventive measures that are mentioned above in the blog and help yourself and your loved ones live a safer and healthier lifestyle.
