Liver cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK and catching it early could save your life
Liver cancer is a deadly force in the UK, claiming around 5,800 lives annually – that’s 16 people every day, ranking it as the country’s 8th deadliest cancer. Primary liver cancer starts in the liver, while secondary liver cancer spreads there from other body parts.
Catching it early opens doors to treatments like surgery or transplants that could eradicate the disease. But NHS Inform points out that most cases are caught too late for surgery or complete treatment.
The American Cancer Society echoes the challenge of spotting it early, with symptoms often staying under the radar until it’s advanced. However, Joseph Ambani, a Medical Doctor at GlowBar, has pinpointed “first” warning signs that show up at mealtime and “early on” in the disease.
He says: “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 be a red flag for a serious health issue, including liver cancer, which often flies under the radar due to its subtle symptoms. It’s vital to recognise these signs early on, and there are key indicators you should be aware of, reports Surrey Live.
The list of early symptoms, as outlined by Ambani, includes abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, jaundice, an enlarged abdomen from fluid build-up, shortness of breath, fatigue, and nausea or vomiting. Ambani emphasises the importance of being vigilant: “To identify potential liver cancer, pay close attention to your body’s warning signs.”
Symptoms of liver cancer
Cancer that starts in the liver (primary liver cancer) doesn’t usually cause symptoms in the early stages. When you do have symptoms, they can include:
- weight loss
- yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
- itching
- feeling sick
- swollen tummy (abdomen)
- loss of appetite or feeling full after eating small amounts
- pain in your abdomen
- a lump in the right side of your abdomen
- pain in your right shoulder
Cancer Research UK says: “See your GP if you have any of these symptoms. Remember primary liver cancer isn’t common in the UK and these symptoms can be caused by other conditions. But it’s important to get them checked by a doctor.
“The symptoms vary depending on where the cancer is. Some symptoms, such as itching, are caused by the jaundice. Symptoms of liver cancer are often quite vague, such as feeling sick and loss of appetite.”
However, Cancer Nurse Lisa Jacques from Perci Health cautions that these common signs might not always point to cancer. She advises, “So having these symptoms does not mean you definitely have liver cancer. It is important to speak to your GP about these symptoms, or any other symptoms that you are concerned about. If they are caused by cancer, detecting cancer earlier means it is more treatable.”
The NHS also stresses the importance of getting any liver cancer symptoms checked out “as soon as possible”. While the exact causes of liver cancer remain a mystery, NHS Inform notes that most cases are linked to cirrhosis, a type of liver damage and scarring.
Cirrhosis, a serious liver condition, can be triggered by numerous factors such as chronic alcohol abuse and persistent infections from hepatitis B or C. A poor diet and obesity can also increase the risk of liver cancer due to the possible onset of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
To lower these risks, health professionals recommend cutting down on alcohol, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and taking steps to prevent hepatitis B and C infections.
