Prevention of Liver Cancer
Underneath your ribs is located the largest organ within your body, the liver. The liver plays a vital role in your survival, removing waste from your body and producing clotting agents needed to stop wounds from bleeding. The liver is also composed of many types of cells, which makes the liver prone to developing various types of tumors. There are several preventative measures you can take to avoid the possibility of developing liver cancer.
Hepatitis B Vaccination
One of the biggest preventative measures you can take to prevent liver cancer is getting vaccinated for hepatitis B. If you develop hepatitis B, the effects of the virus on your liver can cause severe cirrhosis. Chronic hepatitis B infections can also lead to liver cancer. According to the Hepatitis B Foundation, nearly 80 percent of all primary liver cancer diagnosis across the world are the result of chronic hepatitis B infections.
Avoid Risky Behavior
Avoid risky behaviors that can increase your chances of contracting hepatitis C. If you're sexually active, engage in safe sex. Always use a condom, especially if you don't the health status of the person you're engaging in sexual relations with. Don't use IV drugs. According to the Mayo Clinic, one of the biggest factors in hepatitis C infections, is the use of contaminated needles. If you're getting a piercing or tattoo, make absolutely sure that all instruments being used are sterilized. A hepatitis C infection that goes undetected or untreated can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Liver Screening
One of the most frightening aspects of developing liver cancer is that the disease is a silent cancer. Symptoms will not develop until the cancer has advanced substantially. By the time you are diagnosed with the disease, the hope for aggressive treatment becomes challenging. According to the Hepatitis B Foundation, if you suffer from chronic hepatitis B infections, you should be screened for liver cancer. If you have a risk of developing the disease due to family history, to cirrhosis due to alcohol use or to a hepatitis C infection, or if you are African-American or Asian, you should also be screened.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to massive damage of your liver tissues, which can then lead to cirrhosis. According to the American Liver Foundation, cirrhosis can cause scarring of your liver, which can then develop into liver cancer. You can also develop fatty tissue or alcohol hepatitis. Eventually, due to prolonged excessive alcohol consumption, you can increase your risk of developing liver cancer. If you consume alcoholic beverages, you should not have more than two drinks in a day.
Avoid Risk Factors
Avoid factors that increase your chances of developing cancer. Smoking and being overweight can be contributing factors in the development of cancer. Smoking creates the development of abnormal cells that can lead to tumor formations and eventually cancer. If you are a smoker, try to quit. Exercising and maintaining a healthy weight can also help combat the potential risk of developing cancers. The National Cancer Institute can provide you with additional information to help you lower your odds of developing liver cancer.
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