02 August 2023 , 21:57
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Deadly liver cancer rates are rising rapidly as people are warned about the dangers with the disease continuing to claim more and more lives.
Around 5,800 people die from it every year in the UK - the equivalent to 16 every day - making it the 8th most deadly cancer. But if it is diagnosed at an early stage, it may be possible to remove the cancer completely using a number of treatment options, including surgical resection or a liver transplant.
The disease either strikes in the liver, known as primary liver cancer, or starts somewhere else in the body and spreads to the liver, called secondary liver cancer. According to research from Cancer Research UK, liver cancer mortality rates have more than tripled. The disease has a 13% survival rate and is now the fastest rising cause of cancer death in Britain.
The case rates are predicted to rise by 6% between 2023 and 2025, according to statistics. It is hard to spot, but there are some tell-tale signs that you can't afford to ignore.
One health expert has pointed out the “first” warning signs that could signal liver cancer - but there are a number that can't be ignored. Joseph Ambani, Medical Doctor from GlowBar, highlighted the red flags that strike “early on” during the course of the devastating disease and crop up at mealtimes.
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He said: “Generally, people living with liver cancer will find themselves losing their appetite for food or being unable to eat as much as before due to abdominal discomfort or nausea. Additionally, those affected by the disease may find that even eating small amounts causes pain and discomfort in the stomach area.”
Changes in your appetite could ring alarm bells and alert you of the serious condition - but the symptom may also be linked to a number of other health problems. Understanding the symptoms of liver cancer is key to catching the disease early, and there are 10 red flags to watch out for.
Symptoms of liver cancer
The whites of your eyes turning yellow or your skin turning yellow, which may be less obvious on brown or black skin (jaundice) – you may also have itchy skin, darker pee and paler poo than usual
Loss of appetite or losing weight without trying to
Feeling tired or having no energy
Feeling generally unwell or having symptoms like flu
A lump in the right side of your stomach
Symptoms that can affect digestion
Feeling or being sick
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Pain at the top right side of your tummy or in your right shoulder
Symptoms of indigestion, such as feeling full very quickly when eating
A very swollen tummy that is not related to when you eat
The NHS stress that many of these symptoms can be caused by different conditions. Nevertheless, it's important to get checked by a GP if you have a lump in your stomach, have lost a lot of weight without trying or your symptoms do not improve after two weeks.
The GP might feel your stomach and chest in an appointment and refer you to a specialist. There are some things you can do to reduce the risk of you getting your liver cancer.
How to reduce the risk of getting liver cancer
Try to lose weight if you're overweight
Wear protective clothes and masks if you work in a job where you're exposed to harmful chemicals
Try to cut down on alcohol – avoid drinking more than 14 units a week
Try to quit smoking