Liver Cancer: 6 Ways to Protect Yourself

Liver Cancer: 6 Ways to Protect Yourself

The most significant risk factor for liver cancer is exposure to Hepatitis B or C viruses, which can be transmitted through contaminated needles, tainted blood transfusions, sexual contact with an infected person, or transmission from an infected mother to her newborn.

While avoiding these transmission methods reduces the risk of liver cancer by protecting the liver from cirrhosis and damage, there are additional measures that can provide greater protection. Here are some tips to maximize protection against liver cancer, according to Vanguard:

1. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: Engage in regular physical exercise, manage your weight, follow a healthy diet, and reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption.
2. Regular Liver Screening: Undergo screenings for hepatitis viruses to detect them early and receive appropriate antiviral treatment. This helps slow the progression of liver disease and reduces the risk of liver cancer.
3. Manage Chronic Hepatitis: If you have chronic hepatitis, visit your doctor regularly and adhere to treatment. Regular check-ups with imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI can monitor any complications, and completely avoid tobacco and alcohol.
4. Quit Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of liver cancer. Quitting smoking helps reduce this risk.
5. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Avoid obesity, which is associated with fatty liver disease and diabetes, both linked to liver cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight can be an effective protective measure.
6. Early Detection and Treatment of Genetic Disorders: Screen children born into families with hereditary hemochromatosis (excess iron in the blood) and treat them to reduce liver cancer risk. Regularly removing small amounts of blood helps reduce excess iron in the body.