- Date Published:
- Category: Health Awareness, Liver
October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month
Liver Cancer Is on the Rise — Do You Know the Risks?
Since 1980, cases of liver cancer have tripled, and the death rate has more than doubled during that time.
There are two main forms of primary liver cancer in adults. “Primary” means the cancer starts in the liver rather than spreading from another organ.
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer in adults.
Cholangiocarcinoma, also known as bile duct cancer, is much less common.
Although both are relatively rare in the U.S., rates are increasing, likely due to the spread of hepatitis C.
Risk Factors
You may be at a higher risk for liver cancer if you have one or more of the following:
- Having hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection
- Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
- Male gender (liver cancer is more common in men)
- Obesity
- Heavy alcohol use
- Fatty Liver Disease
- Certain metabolic disorders
- Hispanic or American Indian/Alaska Native background
Steps to take
The most significant risk factor is having hepatitis B, a viral infection that spreads through contact with the blood, semen, or other bodily fluids of an infected person. Knowing how to prevent hepatitis B is one of the most important steps you can take.
- Get the hepatitis B vaccine
- Treat hepatitis B & hepatitis C infection (if present)
- Practice safe sex
- Don't share personal hygiene tools (such as razors or toothbrushes)
- Avoid injecting drugs with contaminated needs
Screening
Early detection can save lives.
Talk to your doctor about bloodwork to screen for hepatitis B and C. Additional blood and imaging tests can help detect liver inflammation (hepatitis) or cirrhosis. Catching these conditions early can make the difference between manageable liver disease and liver failure or cancer that may lead to a transplant.
Liver Cancer Care
Our multidisciplinary team—including hepatology, gastroenterology, interventional radiology, surgery, and oncology—works together on every patient’s case. This collaborative approach ensures multiple specialists contribute to each treatment plan and that patients have seamless access to all needed specialties throughout their care.
We remove the legwork so our patients can focus on what matters most: getting the best care at the right time.