Liver Cancer Is Preventable: Causes, Early Detection and Lifestyle Tips

Written by:  Editorial Team

Medically reviewed by:  Dr. Govind Verma - Senior Consultant Gastroenterologist & Hepatologist

Liver Cancer Is Preventable

The liver is the largest internal organ and performs multiple important tasks, including eliminating toxic substances, aiding digestion, and regulating metabolism. Liver cancer develops when liver cells grow uncontrollably, resulting in tumor formation. This abnormal growth can interfere with normal liver function and spread to other parts of the body if untreated.

Types of Liver Cancer:

Prevention starts with protecting the liver from long-term damage. The leading causes of liver cancer, which are hepatitis B, hepatitis C, excessive alcohol intake, and fatty liver disease, are largely avoidable.

One of the strongest links to liver cancer is chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV). Together, these viruses account for nearly 70% of liver cancer cases globally.

Hepatitis B:

• Preventable through vaccination.
• The hepatitis B vaccine is part of the national immunisation schedule for children and recommended for unvaccinated adults.
• Adults at high risk, including healthcare workers, partners of infected individuals, and those with multiple sexual partners are needed to ensure vaccination.

Hepatitis C:

• There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.
• However, it is preventable through:
• Avoid sharing needles or syringes.
• Practising safe sex with barrier protection.
• Screening blood products before transfusion.
• Avoiding unsterilized medical or cosmetic instruments (tattooing, piercing, dental work).

It is important to include regular hepatitis B and C screening in annual health checkups.

If you are already infected with hepatitis B or C, early treatment can drastically reduce the risk of liver cancer.

• Antiviral therapy for hepatitis B can slow liver disease progression and lower cancer risk.
• For hepatitis C, modern antiviral drugs can eliminate the virus in 80–95% of patients, especially when detected early.

Failure to treat chronic hepatitis can result in cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver failure, and eventually cancer.

Drinking too much alcohol is a major cause of liver cirrhosis, which can raise the risk of liver cancer. Even moderate drinking, when combined with viral hepatitis or fatty liver disease, significantly raises cancer risk.

Simple Alcohol Safety Guidelines:

• Avoid daily drinking.
• Men: Not more than two drinks/day.
• Women: Not more than one drink/day.
• Abstain completely if you have liver disease or viral hepatitis.

If quitting alcohol is challenging, seek medical or psychological support — liver damage from alcohol can be reversed in early stages with abstinence.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) has become a silent epidemic worldwide, especially in countries like India. It occurs when fat accumulates in the liver, often linked to obesity, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle. Over time, NAFLD can progress to Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and also liver cancer.

Prevention Tips:

• Include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains for a healthy, fiber-rich diet.
• Limit processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats.
• Exercise for at least 30 minutes daily.
• Maintain a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) of 18.5 to 24.9 to support overall health.
• Manage diabetes and cholesterol levels through medication and diet.

Improperly stored grains, nuts, or spices can grow molds that produce aflatoxins, potent liver-damaging toxins that can cause mutations leading to cancer.

How to Prevent Aflatoxin Exposure:

• Store grains and nuts in dry, cool environments.
• Avoid visibly moldy or discolored food.
• Purchase food products from reputable sources.
  

Early detection can save lives. People at higher risk — such as those with hepatitis, alcohol dependence, or NAFLD, should undergo liver screening every 6–12 months.

Recommended tests include:

• Blood test for Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP): A marker elevated in liver cancer.
• Ultrasound of the Liver: A non-invasive imaging test to detect tumors or cirrhosis.
• CT or MRI Scan: For detailed assessment if abnormalities are found.
• Early detection of small tumors allows for successful surgical removal and better survival outcomes.
  

Early-Stage Treatment

Patients with small tumors and healthy liver function may receive:

• Surgical resection: Removal of the tumor-bearing portion of the liver.
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): Destroying cancer cells using heat.
• Liver transplantation: For those with advanced cirrhosis and small cancers.

Advanced Liver Cancer

If the disease is detected late:

• Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE): Blocks blood flow to the tumor.
• Radioembolization: Injecting radioactive particles to destroy cancer cells.
• Targeted therapies (like Sorafenib) and immunotherapies can help control spread.
• Supportive care includes pain management, nutrition, and infection control.

While advanced liver cancer remains difficult to treat, emerging medicines are steadily improving survival rates.

Keeping the liver healthy depends on daily habits.

• Include fiber-rich foods such as leafy greens, lentils, and fruits to support digestion and help detoxify the liver.
• Avoid excessive salt, fried foods, and sugary beverages, since these can strain the liver, contribute to fat accumulation, and increase the risk of liver disease.
• Drink enough water and herbal teas to support liver detoxification, maintain proper hydration, and help flush out harmful substances from the body.
• Maintain a regular sleep cycle to support liver metabolism.
• Avoid over the counter(OTC) painkillers or herbal supplements unless prescribed — many can harm the liver.
  

The hepatitis B vaccine is a key public health tool for preventing liver cancer. It is safe and effective, providing over 95% protection when taken according to the recommended schedule (3 doses over 6 months). Vaccination not only protects individuals but also prevents transmission within families and communities.

Unfortunately, liver cancer often remains silent in early stages, with symptoms appearing only after significant damage. Routine physical exams may miss small tumors because they are deep inside the abdomen.

Typical Symptoms (often appear late):

• Persistent fatigue
• Right upper abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes)
• Swelling of the abdomen (ascites)
• Loss of appetite

Thus, regular screening is critical, especially for those at risk. Early detection allows for curative treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Liver Cancer Prevention

Chronic infection with the hepatitis B or C virus is the leading cause, followed by alcohol-related cirrhosis and fatty liver disease.

While rare, it can occur due to genetic factors, environmental toxins (like aflatoxins), or metabolic disorders, even without prior liver disease.

Yes. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) can progress to inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and eventually liver cancer if untreated.

It provides over 95% protection and is the most effective tool to prevent virus-related liver cancer.

Yes. Regular exercise helps manage weight, improve insulin response, and prevent fatty liver— all of which lower the risk of liver cancer.

Diet plays a vital role, but must be combined with vaccination, infection control, and healthy lifestyle changes for complete prevention.

Liver cancer can be serious, but it can be decreased with healthy lifestyle choices and preventative actions. Important strategies include vaccination or protection against hepatitis B, avoiding hepatitis C infection, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a balanced diet, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, avoiding smoking, and getting regular medical checkups if you have risk factors or liver disease.

Early detection through regular screenings, combined with timely treatment, offers the best outcomes. Remember — a healthy liver means a healthier, longer life.