Tips To Prevent Liver Cancer

Liver cancer, as the second leading cause of cancer death among men in Hong Kong, has received a lot of attention. In 2002, it was the fourth most common cancer, with about 1,600 new cases, almost 80% of which were in men. There is a lifetime chance of 1 in every 32 men in developing liver cancer and the corresponding figure in women being 1 in every 131 women.

As liver cancer has a high mortality rate, its prevention is thus of great importance. Understanding the risk factors for liver cancer will help much in its prevention. Below are some common risk factors:

• Male gender
• Aged over 60
• Family history of liver cancer
• Infection with hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus
• Cirrhosis of liver
• Excessive consumption of alcohol
• Ingestion of foods contaminated with aflatoxin

The risk of liver cancer can be reduced by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Here are some simple tips for you guys:

• If you drink alcohol, drink sensibly - Excessive alcohol drinking over a long period of time may lead to alcohol-related liver cirrhosis which can develop into liver cancer. Please visit "Drink Smart" section in our website for more information on sensible drinking.
• Store food properly - Aflatoxin increases the risk of liver cancer and is produced by certain moulds which can grow on foods such as peanuts, grain and corn which have been stored in warm, moist conditions. Store such food items in cool and dry places to prevent fungal contamination.
• Use condoms and don't share needles - About 8-10% and 0.5% of the Hong Kong population are hepatitis B and C carriers respectively. Hepatitis B and C can both be transmitted through exchange of body fluids, for example during unprotected sex or through sharing needles. For more information on the proper use of condoms, please visit the "Safer Sex" part of this website.

So guys, be nice to your liver and do the right things to prevent liver cancer!

For more information on liver cancer, you may also visit the "liver cancer" section of this website, or you may wish to refer to the booklets, "Understanding: Liver Cancer" and "Diet and Cancer" published by the Hong Kong Cancer Fund.

(Last Updated on 28-02-2006)