Liver cancer is often associated with excessive alcohol consumption, but the disease can also affect people who have never touched an alcoholic drink.
More worryingly, the disease may develop without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, meaning many people only discover they have it when the cancer has progressed to a more serious stage.
In Malaysia and other Asian countries, chronic hepatitis B infection is among the leading risk factors for liver cancer.
Associate Professor Dr Nor Hazwani Ahmad, a researcher with the Advanced Management of Liver Malignancies (Liver-ENRICH) Research Programme at Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Cancer Centre, said the virus could remain in the body for years without obvious symptoms.
As a result, many people may be unaware they are infected.
“Hepatitis B infection can also occur during childhood, including through transmission from mother to baby.
“When the infection persists, chronic inflammation can damage liver cells and lead to the formation of scar tissue, or cirrhosis.
“This condition subsequently increases a person’s risk of developing liver cancer,” she told K-Variasi recently.
This makes liver cancer particularly difficult to detect in its early stages, she added.
A person may appear healthy, remain active and carry on with daily activities while liver damage progresses gradually without their knowledge.
Symptoms may only emerge when the disease has advanced, including abdominal pain or discomfort, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, and yellowing of the skin and eyes.
By then, treatment options may be more limited, depending on the stage of the disease and the patient’s overall health.
“Therefore, individuals with risk factors should not wait until symptoms appear before seeking medical attention.
“Early detection through medical assessment and appropriate monitoring can help identify liver problems before complications become more serious,” she said.
Apart from hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis C infection can also damage the liver and increase the risk of cancer.
Fatty liver disease associated with obesity, diabetes and metabolic disorders also warrants attention, as these conditions can trigger long-term inflammation and liver damage.
Excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption remains a recognised risk factor, but it is not the only cause of liver cancer.
Dr Nor Hazwani said hepatitis B vaccination played an important role in reducing the risk of infection.
Those unsure of their hepatitis status or vaccination protection should consult a doctor about whether blood tests or vaccination are necessary.
“For people diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B or C, regular monitoring and appropriate antiviral treatment are crucial to controlling the infection and reducing the risk of complications.
“Individuals with chronic liver disease may also require specialised monitoring to detect cancer at an earlier stage, depending on their doctor’s assessment,” she explained.
Maintaining liver health should also begin with everyday habits, including keeping a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing diabetes and other metabolic conditions.
Misconceptions about the causes of liver cancer must also be addressed to prevent stigma against patients.
Some people may have contracted hepatitis during childhood or through transmission from their mothers, rather than as a result of their own lifestyle choices.
Blaming patients for their illness may leave them feeling ashamed or afraid to seek medical attention.
Dr Nor Hazwani stressed that liver health should not only become a concern when warning signs emerge.
Understanding risk factors, seeking medical advice and undergoing screening when recommended are important steps in protecting the liver.
“Liver cancer may strike silently, but awareness and early action can create opportunities for timely detection and more appropriate treatment.
“Do not wait until pain develops before paying attention to your liver health,” she said.
