Cancer Ribbon Colors, Meanings, and Months
NHS Shares Nine Key Warning Signs Of Deadly Disease As Deaths Spike In UK
Pain in the top right side of your stomach could be a warning sign of liver cancer (Image: Getty)
Health experts have flagged nine key warning signs of a potentially deadly disease amid a concerning spike in cases. Statistics from Cancer Research UK have revealed that deaths from liver cancer more than tripled between 2017 to 2019.
As a result, the disease is now the fastest rising cause of cancer deaths in the UK. And case rates are predicted to rise by six per cent between 2023 and 2025, according to Liver Cancer UK.
It is already the eighth most common cause of cancer death in the UK, BirminghamLive reports, accounting for three percent of all cancer deaths. There are around 5,800 liver cancer deaths in the UK every year, that's 16 every day.
Your risk of developing cancer depends on many factors including your age and genetics. However, some contributing factors are also dependent on lifestyle, such as diet, whether you smoke and drink alcohol, and how often you exercise.
As with any medical condition, the sooner you spot the signs the sooner you can seek the treatment you need. With this in mind the NHS lists nine key symptoms of liver cancer to be aware of.
These are:
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Getty)While these symptoms don't necessarily mean you have cancer, it is important to get them checked as soon as possible just to be sure. The NHS website adds: "Many of these symptoms are very common and can be caused by different conditions. Having them does not definitely mean you have liver cancer.
"But it's important to get them checked by a GP. This is because if they're caused by cancer, finding it early may mean it's easier to treat."
According to the NHS, you are at greater risk of developing liver cancer if you:
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Getty)You can make certain lifestyle choices to lower your risk for the disease, which include:
If you experience any symptoms, you should speak to your GP.
'First' Liver Cancer Symptom That Could Show When Eating According To Doctor
Liver cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK and catching it early could save your life An early sign of liver cancer could show up at dinner, with a person losing appetite for food or being unable to eat as much as before (Image: Getty)
Liver cancer is a deadly force in the UK, claiming around 5,800 lives annually – that's 16 people every day, ranking it as the country's 8th deadliest cancer. Primary liver cancer starts in the liver, while secondary liver cancer spreads there from other body parts.
Catching it early opens doors to treatments like surgery or transplants that could eradicate the disease. But NHS Inform points out that most cases are caught too late for surgery or complete treatment.
The American Cancer Society echoes the challenge of spotting it early, with symptoms often staying under the radar until it's advanced. However, Joseph Ambani, a Medical Doctor at GlowBar, has pinpointed "first" warning signs that show up at mealtime and "early on" in the disease.
He says: "Generally, people living with liver cancer will find themselves losing their appetite for food or being unable to eat as much as before due to abdominal discomfort or nausea. Additionally, those affected by the disease may find that even eating small amounts causes pain and discomfort in the stomach area."
Changes in your appetite could be a red flag for a serious health issue, including liver cancer, which often flies under the radar due to its subtle symptoms. It's vital to recognise these signs early on, and there are key indicators you should be aware of, reports Surrey Live.
The list of early symptoms, as outlined by Ambani, includes abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, jaundice, an enlarged abdomen from fluid build-up, shortness of breath, fatigue, and nausea or vomiting. Ambani emphasises the importance of being vigilant: "To identify potential liver cancer, pay close attention to your body's warning signs."
Asian male patient with abdominal pain on right side belly,painful in abdomen,irritable bowel,middle-aged man holds under the ribs,stomach ache,cirrhosis of the liver disease,liver cancer concept (Image:
Getty) Symptoms of liver cancerCancer that starts in the liver (primary liver cancer) doesn't usually cause symptoms in the early stages. When you do have symptoms, they can include:
Cancer Research UK says: "See your GP if you have any of these symptoms. Remember primary liver cancer isn't common in the UK and these symptoms can be caused by other conditions. But it's important to get them checked by a doctor.
"The symptoms vary depending on where the cancer is. Some symptoms, such as itching, are caused by the jaundice. Symptoms of liver cancer are often quite vague, such as feeling sick and loss of appetite."
However, Cancer Nurse Lisa Jacques from Perci Health cautions that these common signs might not always point to cancer. She advises, "So having these symptoms does not mean you definitely have liver cancer. It is important to speak to your GP about these symptoms, or any other symptoms that you are concerned about. If they are caused by cancer, detecting cancer earlier means it is more treatable."
The NHS also stresses the importance of getting any liver cancer symptoms checked out "as soon as possible". While the exact causes of liver cancer remain a mystery, NHS Inform notes that most cases are linked to cirrhosis, a type of liver damage and scarring.
Cirrhosis, a serious liver condition, can be triggered by numerous factors such as chronic alcohol abuse and persistent infections from hepatitis B or C. A poor diet and obesity can also increase the risk of liver cancer due to the possible onset of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
To lower these risks, health professionals recommend cutting down on alcohol, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and taking steps to prevent hepatitis B and C infections.
7 Reasons Most People Get Liver Cancer
Liver cancer remains one of the most aggressive forms of cancer, often detected only in later stages when treatment options become limited. Understanding the primary risk factors helps individuals make informed decisions about their health and take preventive measures before problems develop.
Chronic viral hepatitisHepatitis B and C infections represent the leading causes of liver cancer worldwide. These viruses gradually damage liver tissue through chronic inflammation, eventually leading to cirrhosis. This scarring process creates an environment where cancer cells can develop and flourish.
The risk increases significantly for individuals who carry these viruses long-term without treatment. While Hepatitis B has a preventive vaccine, Hepatitis C lacks one but responds to antiviral medications. Early detection through regular screening proves crucial for preventing cancer development.
Alcohol consumption patternsExcessive alcohol use consistently ranks among the primary triggers for liver cancer. The liver, responsible for processing alcohol, sustains damage from prolonged exposure to high amounts of alcoholic beverages. Over time, this leads to cirrhosis, creating an environment where cancer cells can develop.
The risk increases proportionally with the amount and duration of alcohol consumption. Regular heavy drinking dramatically raises the likelihood of developing liver cancer, especially when combined with other risk factors like viral hepatitis or obesity.
Fatty liver diseaseNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as a growing concern in liver cancer development. This condition, often linked to obesity and poor dietary habits, causes fat accumulation in liver cells. As the disease progresses, it can lead to inflammation and scarring, significantly increasing cancer risk.
The rise in obesity rates worldwide has contributed to increased NAFLD cases, making it an increasingly common pathway to liver cancer. Proper diet and exercise remain crucial for preventing this condition.
Tobacco use impactSmoking affects more than just the lungs; it significantly increases liver cancer risk. The liver must process numerous toxins from cigarette smoke, leading to cellular damage over time. This constant exposure to harmful chemicals creates oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially triggering cancerous changes.
Former smokers show decreased risk compared to current smokers, demonstrating the benefits of quitting. However, the damage accumulates over years of smoking, making early cessation crucial for prevention.
Environmental exposureCertain environmental toxins directly affect liver health and cancer risk. Aflatoxins, produced by molds on improperly stored foods, pose a particular threat. Industrial chemicals, including vinyl chloride and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), also increase cancer risk through repeated exposure.
Proper food storage and workplace safety measures help minimize exposure to these harmful substances. Regular monitoring of environmental conditions becomes essential in high-risk areas.
Genetic predispositionFamily history and inherited conditions play significant roles in liver cancer development. Genetic disorders like hemochromatosis, which causes excessive iron accumulation, can damage liver tissue over time. Understanding family medical history helps identify individuals who need closer monitoring.
While genetic factors cannot be changed, awareness leads to better screening practices and earlier intervention when problems arise. Genetic counseling provides valuable insights for those with inherited risk factors.
Metabolic disordersDiabetes and metabolic syndrome significantly increase liver cancer risk through multiple mechanisms. High blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and associated inflammation create conditions favorable for cancer development. These metabolic disruptions often coincide with other risk factors, compounding the danger.
Managing diabetes and related conditions through medication, diet, and lifestyle changes helps reduce cancer risk. Regular monitoring of metabolic health indicators enables early intervention when problems develop.
Prevention strategiesUnderstanding these risk factors enables better prevention through:
While liver cancer poses serious health risks, understanding and addressing these common causes can significantly reduce individual risk. Regular medical check-ups, healthy lifestyle choices, and awareness of environmental factors play crucial roles in prevention.
This story was created using AI technology.
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