Liver cancer or Hepatocellular carcinoma is a malignant tumor that develops from chronic liver disease especially in individuals with cirrhosis or liver damage or those with Hepatitis B infection.
In terms of sex, liver cancer is more frequent in men than in women due to exposure to environmental toxins and women tend to have protective effects from the hormone estrogen. Another risk factor is chronic infection with Hepatitis B virus that causes liver damage and injury which accounts for 50 percent of liver cancer cases and is the predominant cause in Asia and Africa. Lifestyle factors include chronic and excessive alcohol and tobacco use which is more relevant in individuals with a family history of liver cancer.
Anu-ano ang mga New Year's Resolution mo?
Isama mo na diyan ang pag-aalaga sa iyong atay dahil tuwing buwan ng Enero, ginugunita natin ang Liver Cancer and Viral Hepatitis Awareness and Prevention Month!
Since Hepatitis B virus infection is the leading cause of liver cancer in Asia, the primary prevention of liver cancer is through Hepatitis B vaccination and timely treatment of Hepatitis B or C virus infection through antiviral treatments. Hepa B vaccines are given during the first 2 years of life. There are also catch-up vaccinations for unvaccinated children which are given in 3 separate doses. Adults may also go for vaccination or booster doses if needed. Below are some nutritional tips to maintain a healthy liver and prevent liver cancer:
If it isn’t treated, hepatitis B infection can lead to cirrhosis (scarring), liver failure, and cancer. Vaccines for hepatitis B are available for children and adults. If you are at risk for hepatitis B or C infection, consider undergoing a screening test.
If you have chronic hepatitis B, you might be a candidate for antiviral therapy, which can slow down the progression of liver disease and decrease (although not eliminate) the risk of liver cancer. While there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, the right treatment can eliminate the virus in most people.
If you have chronic hepatitis, you should visit your doctors for regular surveillance with imaging tests, such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI.
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