These lifestyle factors increase liver cancer risk
Your liver is one of your body's most hardworking organs.
The liver, which is
located on the upper right side of your body just underneath your diaphragm,
assists digestion, transforms fats into energy, regulates cholesterol levels,
and breaks down poisons such as drugs and alcohol, among other functions.
Surprisingly, the
liver can renew itself! If there is at least 25% of a healthy liver left, it
will grow back to its previous size.
It is a true workhorse
that is essential to our general physical function. Unfortunately, the liver
can be affected by a variety of disorders, including cancer.
While it is not the
most common cause of cancer deaths in the United States, it is the fastest-growing cause of death in the country. In the previous 40 years, the number of
patients diagnosed with liver cancer has tripled.
Obesity, smoking, and
high alcohol consumption are all factors contributing to this rise in liver
disease.
The causes of liver
cancer are unknown, however chronic hepatitis B and C infection appears to be
the predominant risk factor.
Other risk factors
include
1) having a long term
hepatitis B or Hepatitis C viral infection
2) Alcohol Consumption
3) Liver cirrhosis
Usually, the signs of
liver cancer aren’t apparent until the cancer is more advanced. The most common
symptoms of liver cancer include:
- Losing weight without trying
- Appetite loss
- Feeling very full after a small meal
- Nausea or vomiting
- A feeling of fullness under the ribs on the right side
(an enlarged liver)
- A feeling of fullness under the ribs on the left side (an
enlarged spleen)
- Pain in the abdomen or near the right shoulder blade
- Swelling or fluid build-up in the abdomen
- Itching
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Having saying that,
there are several things you can do to maintain your liver healthy. It all
boils down to the fundamentals of healthy living: consume nutritious foods and
exercise regularly. Stop smoking if you are a smoker. Avoid excessive alcohol
consumption.
Looking For Liver
Cancer Treatment? Contact Dr. Sachin Palnitkar Gastroentrologist in Pune.
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