Prevention
Liver cancer is preventable if the primary risk factors such as chronic hepatitis B and C infections can be eliminated. The number of cases of liver cancer is expected to grow dramatically over the next 20 years if prevention strategies are not promoted.
The Hepatitis B Vaccine: World’s First Anti-Cancer Vaccine
The hepatitis B vaccine was named the first “anti-cancer” vaccine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration because it prevents chronic hepatitis B infections, thereby preventing liver cancer caused by the hepatitis B virus. In the United States, the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all infants, children and adults ages 19-59, as well as adults ages 60+ at high risk for infection. In many countries, including the United States, vaccinating newborns with the hepatitis B vaccine at birth has resulted in a dramatic reduction in the number of new cases of liver cancer caused by hepatitis B.
Read more about the connection between hepatitis B and liver cancer here!
Cirrhosis and Liver Cancer
At least 80% of people diagnosed with liver cancer also have cirrhosis. Although chronic hepatitis B infections can lead to liver cancer without cirrhosis, in general preventing cirrhosis can reduce the risk of liver cancer. The most important way to prevent cirrhosis is to prevent chronic infections of hepatitis B and C in the first place. In addition, cirrhosis can be prevented by decreasing alcohol use, stopping smoking, and avoiding exposure to cancer-causing industrial chemicals or aflatoxins in poorly stored food and grains.
Regular Doctor Visits
If you are already living with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, MASLD, or any of the other common precipitators of liver cancer, it is recommended to see your doctor at least once yearly to monitor your liver health and ensure any cancer can be detected early. These routine visits are essential for monitoring the amount of virus in your body and the condition of your liver. Regular visits allow for the early detection of liver cancer or other complications, improving the likelihood of successful treatment and better health outcomes.
Further Information
To learn more about living with and managing chronic hepatitis B, check out some of our fact sheets available here - the resource entitled "Living with Chronic Hepatitis B" has especially useful information about monitoring the virus and is available in multiple languages.