Risk factors associated with liver cancer

Hepatocellular carcinoma generally appears in patients with chronic liver disease. Accordingly, the most effective measure to prevent the onset of this tumour is to avoid the risk factors that cause liver disease.  

This type of cancer is usually associated with unhealthy habits, so it is often very stigmatised. This stigma can generate feelings of guilt, silence or denial by the patient and family. This limits collective awareness and prevents people from going to liver cancer screening consultations.

All these recommendations are also valid for people who have already developed liver disease or liver cancer, as they can contribute to a better prognosis.

If a person has developed chronic liver disease, the most appropriate preventive strategy is to avoid progression to cirrhosis. To achieve this, antiviral treatment is very important when indicated, as well as the cessation of habits associated with liver disease progression, such as alcohol consumption, an unhealthy diet, or a sedentary lifestyle, which are linked to obesity.

Once the patient has developed liver cirrhosis, the risk of developing liver cancer does not disappear, even after eliminating the risk factors (such as curing hepatitis C infection or stopping alcohol consumption). Therefore, regular follow-up and monitoring must continue.

Cholangiocarcinoma shares many of the same risk factors as hepatocellular carcinoma, but unlike the latter, it can occur even in young people without known risk factors, which makes early detection even more difficult.