January is Liver Cancer and Viral Hepatitis and

Prevention Month
This January, we are observing the Liver Cancer and Viral Hepatitis and Prevention
Month with the theme: “Malusog na Atay, Malusog na Buhay”. Worldwide, liver cancer is
the sixth most frequently diagnosed cancer as of 2018. In the Philippines, Liver cancer
ranks 4th leading cancer type and ranks 2nd in cancers that lead to mortality among
Filipinos as of 2020.

What is Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer or Hepatocellular carcinoma is a malignant tumor that develops from

chronic liver disease especially in individuals with cirrhosis or liver damage or those with
Hepatitis B infection.

What are the risk factors of having Liver Cancer?

In terms of sex, liver cancer is more frequent in men than in women due to exposure to
environmental toxins and women tend to have protective effects from the hormone
estrogen. Another risk factor is chronic infection with Hepatitis B virus that causes liver
damage and injury which accounts for 50 percent of liver cancer cases and is the
predominant cause in Asia and Africa. Lifestyle factors include chronic and excessive
alcohol and tobacco use which is more relevant in individuals with a family history of
liver cancer.

How can Liver Cancer be prevented?

Since Hepatitis B virus infection is the leading cause of liver cancer in Asia, the primary
prevention of liver cancer is through Hepatitis B vaccination and timely treatment of
Hepatitis B or C virus infection through antiviral treatments. Hepa B vaccines are given
during the first 2 years of life. There are also catch-up vaccinations for unvaccinated
children which are given in 3 separate doses. Adults may also go for vaccination or
booster doses if needed. Below are some nutritional tips to maintain a healthy liver and
prevent liver cancer:

1. Drink alcohol in moderation. Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with

liver damage which may lead to liver cancer. This is due to the toxic byproduct of
alcohol metabolism - acetaldehyde which damages liver tissues.

2. Eat fatty foods in moderation and monitor your cholesterol levels. Excessive
consumption of fatty foods especially from animal sources contribute to elevation of
blood cholesterol levels. Excess fat may deposit in the liver when high cholesterol levels
are left untreated for years. These fat deposits lead to fatty liver disease which may also
lead to hepatitis or liver inflammation. Together with other lifestyle related factors such
as alcohol consumption, this condition may contribute to liver cancer.
3. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to supply the nutrients needed to maintain
a healthy liver. Vitamins and minerals from fruits and vegetables are needed for
regenerating damaged cells in the body including the liver. Having a healthy diet and
healthy lifestyle practices can help prevent or reduce the risk of developing cancer in
later life.

/AET

References:

[1] World Health Organization (2020). Global Cancer Observatory: Philippines Fact
Sheet. Retrieved from https://gco.iarc.fr/today/data/factsheets/populations/608-
philippines-fact-sheets.pdf
[2] Schwartz, J.M. & Carithers, R.L. (2021). Epidemiology and risk factors for
hepatocellular carcinoma. UpToDate. Date Accessed 26 January 2022. Retrieved
from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/epidemiology-and-risk-factors-for-
hepatocellular-
carcinoma?search=Liver%20cancer&source=search_result&selectedTitle=5~150&usag
e_type=default&display_rank=5#H146269848
[3] Jameson, J. L., Fauci, A.S., Kasper, D.L., Hauser, S.L., Longo, D.L., & Loscalzo, J.
(2018). Harrison's principles of internal medicine, 20th ed. United States of America:
McGraw-Hill Education.
[4] Raymond, J. L., & Morrow, K. (2020). Krause and Mahan’s Food and the Nutrition
Care Process E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences.