Liver Cancer Risks

Liver Cancer Risks
Saturday February 6, 2010

This past week health educators around the world raised awareness of cancer and its many types and causes for World Cancer Day. While hepatitis doesn't usually leap to the front of people's mind as a serious cancer concern, here are some statistics of interest for people with chronic hepatitis. Did you know:

* If you are a carrier of the hepatitis B or hepatitis C viruses, you have 20 times risk of developing liver cancer.
* Worldwide, most liver cancer is caused by two hepatitis viruses (HBV and HCV).
* Acute hepatitis C infection is often not diagnosed, but can lead to many serious problems, including liver cancer.
* Liver cancer is rarely curable and, worldwide, people often live less than six months after being diagnosed.

Fortunately, liver cancer from hepatitis viruses can be prevented with a combination of lifestyle changes and vaccination. Right now, millions of people around the world are living with a disease that can easily be prevented and each year, millions more become infected. With all that's at stake, we can no longer leave this to professional health educators. Get involved with your friends and loved ones by being a source of education and awareness. Help spread the word about liver cancer.