The short answer
Long-term liver damage is the main driver of liver cancer risk. Hepatitis B or C infection, cirrhosis, heavy alcohol use, and fatty liver disease raise risk. Vaccination against hepatitis B and treating hepatitis C lower risk.
Long-term liver damage is the main driver of liver cancer risk.
Chronic hepatitis B or C infection raises risk.
Cirrhosis from any cause raises risk.
Heavy alcohol use and fatty liver disease raise risk.
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The full explanation.
The simple version
A risk factor is anything that raises the chance of developing a disease. For liver cancer, the common thread is long-term liver damage. Having risk factors does not mean you will get liver cancer, and some risks can be reduced.
Long-term liver damage
The main risk factors involve ongoing damage to the liver:
- Chronic hepatitis B or C infection
- Cirrhosis (liver scarring) from any cause
- Heavy alcohol use
- Fatty liver disease
Lowering your risk
Several steps can help: getting vaccinated against hepatitis B, getting tested and treated for hepatitis C, limiting alcohol, and keeping a healthy weight.
Hepatitis B vaccination and treating hepatitis C can lower liver cancer risk.
Screening for higher-risk people
People with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis may be offered regular screening to find liver cancer early. Ask your doctor whether screening is right for you.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸What raises liver cancer risk?
The main risk factors involve long-term liver damage: chronic hepatitis B or C infection, cirrhosis (liver scarring), heavy alcohol use, and fatty liver disease. Older age and being male also raise risk.
▸How does hepatitis affect risk?
Long-term hepatitis B or C infection causes ongoing liver damage that can lead to cancer over years. It is one of the most important risk factors worldwide.
▸Can risk be lowered?
Yes. Getting vaccinated against hepatitis B, getting tested and treated for hepatitis C, limiting alcohol, and keeping a healthy weight can all lower risk.
▸Should higher-risk people be screened?
People with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis may be offered regular screening to find liver cancer early. Ask your doctor if screening is right for you.
Questions to ask your doctor
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