- Learn about liver cancer, its causes and symptoms
- Understand the steps you can take to minimize your risk
- Find out about Carilion’s new world-class Cancer Center.
What is the best way to prevent liver cancer?
Like many cancers and other diseases, it comes down to lifestyle.
What To Avoid
"The liver acts as the body's filter," says Carilion Clinic surgical oncologist David Luyimbazi, M.D., "so a long-term diet of unhealthy foods or heavy alcohol use makes it work harder and can eventually cause damage."
Dr. Luyimbazi suggests limiting alcohol to one drink a day for women or two for men, and avoiding the following:
- Tobacco in any form
- Anabolic steroids
- Foods high in fat, sugar and salt
- Many fried foods, including fast-food restaurant meals
- Raw or undercooked shellfish, such as oysters and clams
Individuals who live with obesity, type 2 diabetes or hepatitis B and C are also at higher risk of developing liver cancer.
Needless to say, the key to having a healthy liver, according to the Liver Foundation, is to avoid or moderate the above factors.
What You Can Do
Liver cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer death for men, and the seventh most common cause among women.
But, Dr. Luyimbazi says there are a number of common-sense strategies you can use to promote liver health and avoid being a statistic:
- As mentioned above, limited alcohol use and quit smoking
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get vaccinated (or treated) for hepatitis B and C
- Get treatment for inherited diseases like hemochromatosis, in which too much iron in the blood can lead to cirrhosis and other health problems
The Liver Foundation recommends eating a balanced diet, with foods from all food groups:
- Grains
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat and beans
- Milk
- Healthy oils
Eating foods high in fiber will help your liver work at an optimal level. That includes whole-grain breads, rice and cereals in addition to fruits and vegetables.
Put down the cocktails and sugary sodas in favor of water. It prevents dehydration and it promotes a healthy liver function.
And modify your recipes to use olive or canola oil instead of butter or lard.
Monitor Medications
Certain medications can also affect liver function. People undergoing cancer treatment or living with other chronic illnesses may have regular bloodwork to monitor for changes.
What about aspirin and Tylenol, which are, arguably, the most common drugs Americans use?
According to the American Cancer Society, it is possible that the regular use of aspirin might reduce the risk of liver cancer, but more research is needed.
Acetaminophen (most commonly found in pain relievers like Tylenol), on the other hand, can cause liver toxicity if taken over the maximum dose. Because it can be an ingredient in many medications, it is important to read labels for dosage information to avoid accidentally taking too much.
A healthy lifestyle leads to a healthy liver. Reach out to your primary care physician for help modifying your lifestyle to prevent illness.
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Carilion Clinic’s cancer team is here to help you through prevention, screening and, if needed, treatment. Visit the Carilion Foundation to learn about our plans to create a world-class Cancer Center that will enable us to care for even more patients.
