Liver Cancer Risk Factors
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A liver cancer risk factor is anything that increases your chance of developing liver cancer. Risk factors can be inherited, environmental or life-style related. Liver cancer risk factors include:
- Gender - Men are more likely to develop liver cancer than are women.
- Race and ethnicity - In the United States, liver cancer rates are highest in Asian Americans.
- Chronic infection with HBV or HCV - The most common risk factor for liver cancer is chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV). HBV and HCV lead to cirrhosis of the liver and, because of the prevalence of these infections in many parts of the world, liver cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide.
- Cirrhosis of the liver - Cirrhosis occurs when liver cells become damaged and are replaced by scar tissue. In most cases, but not all, people who develop liver cancer have some evidence of cirrhosis.
- Metabolic diseases - Certain types of inherited metabolic diseases can cause cirrhosis and increase your chances of developing liver cancer. Hemochromatosis, tyrosinemia, alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency, porphyria cutanea tarda, glycogen storage diseases, and Wilson disease are rare diseases that increase the risk of liver cancer.
- Diabetes - Having diabetes can also increase your risk of liver cancer. This is usually in correlation with other risk factors such as heavy alcohol consumption or hepatitis.
- Obesity - Being obese can increase your chances of developing liver cancer.
- Anabolic steroids - Used to increase strength and muscle mass, the long-term use of anabolic steroids can increase the risk of developing liver cancer. Cortisone-like steroids such as hydrocortisone and prednisone do not carry the same risk.
- Arsenic - Chronic exposure to naturally occurring arsenic through drinking water increases the risk of developing some forms of liver cancer.
- Aflatoxins - These are cancer-causing substances made by a fungus that contaminates wheat, corn, soybeans, rice, and some types of nuts. This risk factor is more common in warmer and tropical countries.
- Exposure to certain chemicals - Exposure to vinyl chloride and thorium dioxide can increase your risk of developing liver cancer.
In addition, there are other potential liver cancer risk factors, like tobacco use, that are being studied to determine their impact on developing the disease. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about life-style or environmental factors that may affect you and your risk of developing liver cancer.
Although the risk factors mentioned above can increase your chances of developing liver cancer, having one or several of these risk factors does not mean that you are guaranteed to develop the disease. If you feel that you are at risk for liver cancer, contact your healthcare provider. He or she can assess your situation and decide if you are a candidate for screenings or tests for liver cancer.
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