Liver Cancer Prevention

Cancer prevention is important because it can lower your chances of getting cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, HCC risk factors should be avoided. Increasing protective factors can help reduce the risk of cancer.

Risk Factors

Risk factors of HCC include cirrhosis, excessive alcohol consumption, diabetes, aflatoxin, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, cigarette smoking, hepatitis B and C, obesity, and more.

Preventative Factors and Protective Measures

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Hepatitis B vaccine: HBV infection can be prevented with HBV vaccination. The vaccination series is administered to newborns, and it has been shown to reduce the risk of liver cancer in children. Hepatitis B is a virus that causes an infection and inflammation of the liver.

Treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection: Treatments for chronic HBV infection can reduce the risk of liver cancer. Interferon and nucleus(t)ide analog (NA) therapy are treatments for chronic HBV infection.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Testing and treatment for hepatitis C can prevent chronic infection and reduce the risk of liver cancer. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.

Aflatoxin

Reduce Aflatoxin Exposure: Avoid eating foods contaminated with aflatoxin, a toxin produced by certain molds. Aflatoxin is a poison from a fungus that grows on foods that are stored in hot and humid areas.

Lifestyle Choices

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of liver cancer.

Limit Alcohol Consumption: Heavy alcohol use can lead to cirrhosis, increasing the risk of liver cancer. The recommended amount of alcohol for women is no more than one drink per day, and no more than two drinks a day for men. Excessive drinking can cause permanent damage to the liver.
Quit Smoking: Smoking is linked to a higher risk of liver cancer.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity and fatty liver disease are risk factors, so it's important to maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
Exercise regularly: Research shows that physical exercise can reduce the risk of developing liver cancer.
Eat well: Eating a well-balanced diet will keep your liver function healthy. Foods high in saturated fat can cause cirrhosis.