October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month and Mona S. Jhaveri raises awareness about this deadly cancer and to encourage people to get screened. Liver cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the world, and it is the third leading cause of cancer death.
There are a number of treatments available for liver cancer, depending on the stage of the disease and the overall health of the patient. Treatment options include surgery, ablation, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
The liver is a vital organ that plays a crucial role in many bodily functions. Without the liver, humans would not be able to survive.
Mona S. Jhaveri, a biotech scientist who focuses on cancer research and detection, founded Music Beats Cancer, which addresses the funding gap, AKA the “Valley of Death,” in cancer research. The platform partners with musical acts to support their fund towards closing the gap in cancer research.
Sound Health and Lasting Wealth asked Jhaveri a few questions regarding liver cancer and why staying informed can save lives.
What is the Importance and Function of the Liver?
The liver is the largest solid organ in the body and has over 500 vital functions. Some of the most important functions of the liver include:
- Detoxification: The liver filters the blood and removes harmful toxins, such as alcohol, drugs, and waste products.
- Metabolism: The liver breaks down and metabolizes nutrients from food and drink, so that the body can use them for energy and other essential functions.
- Bile production: The liver produces bile, a fluid that helps to digest fats and absorb nutrients in the small intestine.
- Protein synthesis: The liver produces many important proteins, including albumin, which helps to regulate fluid balance and blood pressure.
- Storage: The liver stores glycogen, a form of glucose that can be used for energy when needed. It also stores vitamins, minerals, and iron.
In addition to these essential functions, the liver also plays a role in the following:
- Immune function: The liver helps to fight infection and produce antibodies.
- Blood clotting: The liver produces proteins that are essential for blood clotting.
- Red blood cell production: The liver helps to produce and break down red blood cells.
Cholangiocarcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma are the two main types of liver cancer. The most frequent form of liver cancer is hepatocellular, but it is still uncommon in the United States when compared to other countries. However, there are more cases. Liver cancer rates have tripled and mortality rates have increased by more than twice since 1980.
Are there Risk Factors?
There are a number of risk factors for liver cancer, including:
- Hepatitis B and C viruses
- Cirrhosis
- Alcohol abuse
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Aflatoxin exposure
Men are more likely to develop liver cancer than women are, and Asian, Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaskan Native populations are more likely to do so. Actually, compared to white men, Asian American men have a 60% higher mortality rate from liver cancer.
Chemotherapy, surgery, stereotactic radiation therapy, and drug combinations can all help patients live longer and experience less disease progression.
Hepatitis B or C are linked to liver cancer in 65% of cases, according to the CDC. Long-term hepatitis B infections can cause liver damage, such as liver scarring, and ultimately cancer.
How Do you Know the Symptoms and Signs?
The early symptoms of liver cancer are often vague and can be easily overlooked. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away:
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dark urine
- Itchy skin
If you are at high risk for liver cancer, your doctor may recommend regular screenings. This may include blood tests, imaging tests, or a biopsy.
Q: How many people are diagnosed with liver cancer every year, and how many people die from the cancer?
Over 40,000 adults will receive a liver cancer diagnosis in 2023, more than tripling the incidence of the disease since the 1980s. The stage, age, general health, and efficacy of the treatment plan all affect survival rates. The overall 5-year survival rate is 17% on average. The survival rate for liver cancer is about 30% if it is detected early, but it is dismal for late-stage liver cancer, where the cancer has spread to other organs or lymph nodes, at only about 11%.
Q: Why are the cases of liver cancer rising around the globe?
Worldwide, liver cancer is considered to be a leading cause of death. In 2023, over 800,000 people died of liver cancer in 2020 — 75% of liver cancer occurs in Asia, with China accounting for over 50% of the world’s burden. It’s believed that Hepatitis B and C infections are a major reason for the rise in global liver cancer cases. The other source of liver cancer is chronic alcoholism. Both Hepatitis infections and alcoholism are common causes of cirrhosis, which increase the risk of liver cancer.
Q: Can you tell me about liver cancer research and the importance of continuing research?
Research is underway to evaluate the role of radiation in treating liver cancer, but also the development of immunotherapies that can be used for patients whose cancers can not be treated by surgery.
Q: What are some treatments for liver cancer?
Surgery is the main treatment for liver cancer, where the tumor gets removed along with surrounding healthy tissue. There are also several immunotherapies that have been approved and are believed to be better than chemotherapy in managing the long-term control of liver cancer.
One exciting new method is “histotripsy,” which uses focused ultrasound to selectively target and destroy tumor tissue without an invasive procedure. It is considered safer and more tolerable than surgery.
Q: How can people work towards preventing liver cancer?
The best way to help lower the risk of liver cancer is by getting the hepatitis B vaccine and by refraining from heavy use of alcohol.
Q: How important is awareness, especially in places like the U.S., where we may be dealing with more cases in the future?
Awareness is important in the U.S. and around the world. As liver cancer is rising in incidence and survival rates for this disease are dismal, the best method of attack is education and awareness on the risks of alcoholism as well as programs that provide easy access to the hepatitis B vaccine. This needs to happen globally if we are to see declining numbers of cases.
Liver Cancer Awareness Month is an important opportunity to learn more about this cancer and to take steps to protect yourself. If you are at risk for liver cancer, be sure to talk to your doctor about screening options. And if you have any of the symptoms of liver cancer, see a doctor right away.
Here are some ways to get involved in Liver Cancer Awareness Month:
- Donate to a liver cancer charity or research organization.
- Volunteer your time to a liver cancer support group.
- Talk to your friends and family about liver cancer and the importance of early detection.
- Wear green to show your support for liver cancer awareness.
- Share information about liver cancer on social media.
Together, we can make a difference in the fight against liver cancer.
Tips to Live Healthy
Here are some tips for keeping your liver healthy:
- Eat a healthy diet that is low in saturated and unhealthy fats, and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Exercise regularly.
- Limit your alcohol intake.
- Avoid smoking.
- Get vaccinated against hepatitis B and C.
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