10 Facts about Liver Cancer All Singaporeans Should Know
No Time to Read? Here’s a Snappy Summary of This Article
- Silent Threat: Liver cancer often shows no symptoms in its early stages, making regular check-ups crucial.
- Asia’s Highest Rates: Singapore has one of the highest liver cancer rates in Asia, partly due to lifestyle factors.
- Risky Business: Chronic hepatitis B and C infections, alcohol abuse, and obesity significantly increase liver cancer risk.
- Sneaky Symptoms: As it progresses, liver cancer may cause symptoms like jaundice, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss.
- Limited Survival: Unfortunately, liver cancer is often detected at advanced stages, leading to lower survival rates.
Table of Contents
- No Time to Read? Here’s a Snappy Summary of This Article
- 1. There are two main types of liver cancer
- 2. Liver cancer may not cause any symptoms in the early stages
- 3. Chronic hepatitis infection is the leading cause of liver cancer
- 4. Liver cirrhosis is a major risk factor for liver cancer
- 5. Alcohol abuse can damage the liver and increase the risk of liver cancer
- 6. Exposure to certain toxins can also cause liver cancer
- 7. Liver cancer screening can detect liver cancer early
- 8. Liver cancer treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer
- 9. Liver cancer research is ongoing and promising
- 10. Liver cancer awareness and advocacy are important for improving outcomes
- Meanwhile, Check Out Tropika Club’s Ecosystem of Websites
Introduction
Liver cancer is one of the most common and deadly types of cancer in Singapore. It affects many people regardless of their age, gender, or lifestyle. However, some factors can increase the risk of developing liver cancer, such as chronic hepatitis infection, cirrhosis, alcohol abuse, and exposure to certain toxins. Knowing the facts about liver cancer can help you understand the disease better and take steps to prevent it or detect it early. Here are 10 facts about liver cancer that all Singaporeans should know.
1. There are two main types of liver cancer
Liver cancer is classified into two main types based on where the cancer cells come from: primary liver cancer and secondary liver cancer. Primary liver cancer is cancer that starts in the liver cells or the bile ducts within the liver. The most common type of primary liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma, which makes up about 90% of all cases. Other types of primary liver cancer include intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, angiosarcoma, and hepatoblastoma. Secondary liver cancer is cancer that starts in another part of the body and spreads to the liver through the blood or the lymph system. The most common sources of secondary liver cancer are colorectal cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and stomach cancer. Secondary liver cancer is more common than primary liver cancer and is often diagnosed at a late stage.
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2. Liver cancer may not cause any symptoms in the early stages
Liver cancer often does not cause any noticeable symptoms until it has grown large enough to interfere with the normal function of the liver or spread to other organs. Some of the common symptoms of liver cancer include: – A persistent or worsening pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen or near the right shoulder blade – Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite – Nausea or vomiting – Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) – Ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen) – Enlarged liver or spleen – Itchy skin or rash – Dark urine or pale stools – Easy bruising or bleeding – Bone pain or fractures If you have any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor as soon as possible for further evaluation.
3. Chronic hepatitis infection is the leading cause of liver cancer
Chronic hepatitis infection is by far the most important risk factor for liver cancer. Hepatitis is a viral infection that causes inflammation and damage to the liver. There are several types of hepatitis viruses, but the most common ones that can lead to liver cancer are hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus. Chronic hepatitis infection can cause scarring and hardening of the liver tissue, which can impair the liver function and increase the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma or intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Chronic hepatitis infection can also cause changes in the DNA of the liver cells, which can make them grow abnormally and form tumors.
4. Liver cirrhosis is a major risk factor for liver cancer
Liver cirrhosis is a medical condition characterized by the transformation of healthy liver tissue into fibrous scar tissue, a process that occurs as a result of prolonged injury or inflammation to the liver. This scarring is often the cumulative effect of years of chronic damage and can severely impair the liver’s ability to function properly. The causes of liver cirrhosis are diverse and can range from long-term infections like chronic hepatitis to lifestyle factors such as excessive alcohol consumption. Additionally, metabolic conditions like fatty liver disease can also contribute to the development of cirrhosis. The scarring process essentially replaces the liver’s healthy tissue, thereby diminishing its capacity to detoxify the blood, produce essential proteins, and perform other vital functions that are crucial for maintaining overall health. Therefore, liver cirrhosis is not just a singular issue but a complex health condition that can arise from a variety of contributing factors, each of which can lead to significant deterioration of liver function over time.
5. Alcohol abuse can damage the liver and increase the risk of liver cancer
Alcohol abuse is another major risk factor for liver cancer. Alcohol can harm the liver in several ways, such as causing fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and alcoholic cirrhosis. Fatty liver disease is a condition where excess fat accumulates in the liver cells, which can impair the liver function and lead to inflammation. Alcoholic hepatitis is a condition where alcohol causes acute inflammation and damage to the liver cells, which can result in jaundice, fever, and abdominal pain. Alcoholic cirrhosis is a condition where alcohol causes chronic scarring and hardening of the liver tissue, which can result in portal hypertension, bleeding varices, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy. All these conditions can increase the risk of developing liver cancer, especially hepatocellular carcinoma. The more alcohol you drink and the longer you drink, the higher your risk of liver cancer. The best way to prevent alcohol-related liver damage and liver cancer is to limit or avoid alcohol consumption. If you need help quitting alcohol, you can contact the National Addictions Management Service (NAMS) at 6-RECOVER (6732 6837) or visit their website at [NAMS].
6. Exposure to certain toxins can also cause liver cancer
Besides alcohol, there are other substances in the environment and workplace that can increase your risk of liver cancer. These include aflatoxins, vinyl chloride, thorium dioxide, arsenic, and some herbicides and pesticides. Aflatoxins are toxins produced by a type of fungus that can contaminate crops such as corn, peanuts, and rice. Aflatoxins can cause DNA damage and mutations in the liver cells, which can lead to hepatocellular carcinoma. Vinyl chloride is a chemical used to make plastics such as PVC. Vinyl chloride can cause liver angiosarcoma, a rare type of liver cancer that affects the blood vessels in the liver. Thorium dioxide is a radioactive substance that was used as a contrast agent for X-rays in the past. Thorium dioxide can cause liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and cholangiocarcinoma. Arsenic is a metalloid that can be found in drinking water, food, or industrial waste. Arsenic can cause skin lesions, peripheral neuropathy, and liver cancer. Some herbicides and pesticides are chemicals used to kill weeds and pests in agriculture or gardening. Some of these chemicals can cause liver damage and cancer if ingested or inhaled. You should avoid or limit your exposure to these substances by following the safety guidelines and regulations of your employer and government agencies. You should also eat a balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables that are washed or peeled before consumption.
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7. Liver cancer screening can detect liver cancer early
Liver cancer screening is a test that can find liver cancer before it causes any symptoms. Early detection of liver cancer can improve the chances of successful treatment and survival. Liver cancer screening is done using an ultrasound scan, which is a type of imaging test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the internal organs. Ultrasound scan can detect abnormal masses or nodules in the liver that may be cancerous or precancerous. Liver cancer screening is recommended for people who have a high risk of liver cancer based on their medical history and risk factors. According to the Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH), liver cancer screening is recommended for people who: – are aged 40 years or older – have chronic hepatitis B infection – have chronic hepatitis C infection – have cirrhosis of any cause – have a family history of liver cancer If you meet these criteria, you should talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of liver cancer screening and whether it is right for you. You should also discuss how often you need to be screened and where you can get screened.
8. Liver cancer treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer
Liver cancer treatment is based on several factors, such as the type and stage of the cancer, the location and size of the tumor, the liver function and overall health of the patient, and the availability of clinical trials. The main types of treatment for liver cancer are surgery, ablation therapy, embolization therapy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and palliative care. Surgery involves removing part or all of the affected liver and nearby lymph nodes. Ablation therapy involves destroying the tumor using heat, cold, or electric currents. Embolization therapy involves blocking the blood supply to the tumor using small particles or beads. Radiation therapy involves using high-energy rays or particles to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. Targeted therapy involves using drugs that target specific abnormalities in cancer cells that make them grow faster or spread more easily. Immunotherapy involves using drugs that stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Palliative care involves relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for patients with advanced or terminal liver cancer. The choice of treatment depends on the goals of care and the potential benefits and side effects of each option.
9. Liver cancer research is ongoing and promising
Liver cancer research is constantly advancing and finding new ways to prevent, diagnose, treat, and cure liver cancer. Some of the current areas of research include: – Developing new biomarkers and tests to identify people at high risk of liver cancer and monitor their response to treatment – Improving liver cancer screening methods and criteria to increase accuracy and reduce false negatives – Discovering new gene mutations and molecular targets for liver cancer treatment – Developing new drugs and drug combinations for chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy – Testing new approaches for ablation therapy, embolization therapy, and radiation therapy – Exploring new surgical techniques and devices for minimally invasive procedures – Evaluating new strategies for preventing or managing treatment side effects such as pain, fatigue, nausea, infection, bleeding, and liver failure – Conducting clinical trials to compare the effectiveness and safety of different treatments or combinations of treatments Many of these research studies are supported by the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), which is part of the SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre. The NCCS also provides information and resources for patients who are interested in participating in
10. Liver cancer awareness and advocacy are important for improving outcomes
Liver cancer is a serious public health issue that affects many people in Singapore and around the world. However, liver cancer often does not receive enough attention, funding, or support compared to other types of cancer. This can lead to low awareness, stigma, delayed diagnosis, limited access to treatment, and poor survival rates. Liver cancer awareness and advocacy are important for raising public awareness, reducing stigma, increasing funding, improving access to care, and supporting patients and caregivers. There are many ways that you can get involved in liver cancer awareness and advocacy, such as: – Learning more about liver cancer and sharing your knowledge with others – Participating in liver cancer screening if you are eligible and encouraging others to do the same – Avoiding or limiting alcohol consumption and helping others quit as well – Supporting or joining liver cancer organizations, campaigns, events, or fundraisers – Volunteering or donating to liver cancer research or services – Sharing your story or experience with liver cancer if you are a patient or caregiver – Advocating for better policies, programs, or resources for liver cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, or care By raising your voice and taking action for liver cancer awareness and advocacy, you can make a difference in the lives of many people who are affected by this disease.
Conclusion
Liver cancer is a major health problem that affects many Singaporeans and people around the world. It is important to be aware of the facts about liver cancer, such as its types, causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment options. By knowing the facts, you can take steps to reduce your risk of liver cancer or detect it early, when it is more treatable and curable. You can also support liver cancer research and advocacy, which can help improve the outcomes and quality of life for liver cancer patients and their families. Liver cancer is not a death sentence, but a challenge that can be overcome with knowledge, action, and hope.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the common risk factors for liver cancer in Singapore?
A: Common risk factors in Singapore include chronic hepatitis B and C infections, alcohol abuse, and obesity.
Q: How can liver cancer be detected in its early stages?
A: Early detection is possible through regular check-ups, including liver function tests and imaging scans.
Q: What are the survival rates for liver cancer in Singapore?
A: Survival rates for liver cancer in Singapore are generally lower, especially in advanced stages of the disease.
Q: Are there preventive measures to reduce liver cancer risk in Singapore?
A: Yes, adopting a healthy lifestyle, getting vaccinated against hepatitis, and regular screenings can help lower the risk.
Q: Can liver cancer cause noticeable symptoms?
A: Yes, as liver cancer progresses, it may lead to symptoms like jaundice, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss.
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