Liver cancer often develops slowly, which means there are steps that can help lower the risk or catch it early.
- Prevent Hepatitis B and C: Getting vaccinated against hepatitis B can protect against infection. While there’s no vaccine for hepatitis C, treatments are available that can cure the virus in many people. Anyone at risk should talk to a doctor about screening and treatment options.
- Treat Chronic Hepatitis: People living with hepatitis B or C should receive regular checkups. Doctors may recommend antiviral medications to slow down liver damage and reduce cancer risk. Imaging tests like ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs can help find cancer early.
- Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco: Drinking less alcohol—or avoiding it—can help protect the liver, especially in people with hepatitis or cirrhosis. Quitting smoking also reduces the risk of liver and many other cancers.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eating a nutritious diet, staying active, and managing weight are important. These steps help prevent conditions like fatty liver disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure, which all raise the risk of liver damage.
- Avoid Harmful Substances: Be cautious around chemicals like arsenic—sometimes found in drinking water—and vinyl chloride, which is often used in the making of certain plastics. Only take anabolic steroids if prescribed by a doctor. In areas where aflatoxins are a concern, food should be stored in cool, dry places to prevent mold.
Liver Cancer Symptoms
Liver cancer often doesn't cause symptoms at first. When signs do appear, they may include:
- Skin and eyes turning yellow (a condition called jaundice)
- Urine that looks darker than usual
- Stools that are pale, gray, or chalky in color
- Ongoing pain or soreness in the upper right side of the belly
- Swelling in the belly or legs from built-up fluid
- A firm lump just under the ribs on the right side
- Not feeling hungry, even at mealtimes
- Losing weight without trying
- Feeling nauseated or throwing up
- Feeling tired all the time, even with rest
- Running a low-grade fever that won’t go away
- Skin that feels itchy for no clear reason
- Bruising more easily than normal
- Feeling full or bloated, especially in the belly
These symptoms can also be caused by other health problems, but they should be checked by a doctor—especially in people with liver disease.
