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RISK FACTORS FOR LIVER CANCER
Although scientists cannot yet identify the exact cause of cancerous cells, certain people may be more likely to develop liver cancer based on specific characteristics and lifestyles called risk factors. The following risk factors have been suggested to increase the chance of getting liver cancer:
- Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCLV)
- HBV and HCV can be passed through fluids (blood or sexual contact) from person to person or from mother to infant
- HBV and HCV are the main causes of liver cancer; they are contagious, liver cancer is not
- Heavy use of alcohol
- Risk increases with the amount of alcohol intake; two or more drinks daily increases liver cancer as well as other cancers
- Latinos are shown to be less likely to drink alcohol
- Aflatoxin
- Harmful substance made by certain types of mold that can form on peanuts, corn, and other nuts and grains
- US has safety precautions to limit aflatoxin in food supply
- Iron storage disease
- Too much iron stored in the liver and other organs can cause liver cancer
- Cirrhosis
- Serious disease resulting from scar tissue replacements on damaged liver cells.
- Results from heavy alcohol use, HBV or HCV, too much stored iron in the liver, certain drugs, and certain parasites
- Almost all cases of liver cancer in the US occur in people who first had cirrhosis
- Obesity and diabetes
- Latinos have higher rates of obesity and diabetes than non-Hispanic Whites
- Being a male
- Low birthweight
- Low access to medical healthcare and insurance
- Programs targeting the Spanish-speaking population should push for importance of early screening
- Latinos need to be better educated about the risk factors, as well as programs to increase access to medical insurance and medical care
- Uninsured Hispanics are two to three times more likely to have cancer diagnosed at a later stage, making it less treatable
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