10/09/2024
Causes of Liver Cancer
The direct cause of liver cancer remains unclear. The mechanism of cancer involves disturbances in the DNA structure of cells. Several risk factors can disrupt the gene structure, leading to gene mutations:
Cirrhosis: Liver cancer is common in patients with cirrhosis. In Vietnam, up to 80% of liver cancer cases are due to cirrhosis, with most cases being alcohol-related. Most liver cancers develop on a background of cirrhosis, especially cirrhosis following hepatitis. The annual incidence of liver cancer increases with the severity of liver damage: 0.5 - 1% for chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Hepatitis B Virus: Infection with the hepatitis B virus increases the risk of liver cancer by up to 100 times. Hepatitis B virus is responsible for up to 70% of liver cancer cases in Vietnam and 80% globally. It is estimated that 0.5% of people with chronic hepatitis B infection will develop liver cancer each year.
Hepatitis C Virus: Hepatitis C virus is associated with 7% of liver cancer cases in Vietnam and 50% in the U.S. In Vietnam, up to 81% of liver cancer patients test positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HbSAg). Globally, 60% of liver cancer cases are related to hepatitis B, and 25% to hepatitis C.
Alcohol: Long-term alcohol consumption can lead to cirrhosis, which increases the risk of liver cancer. While alcohol does not directly cause cancer, it is highly toxic and can lead to cirrhosis, a major cause of liver cancer, accounting for about 15% of hepatitis C cases.
Other Diseases and Factors: Conditions like hemochromatosis, genetic disorders involving tyrosine in plasma, and chronic hepatitis virus infections. Environmental factors such as aflatoxins from moldy peanuts and grains, oral contraceptives, anabolic steroids, thorotrast (contrast agents), and toxins like carbon tetrachloride, dioxin, herbicides, azo dyes, or nitrosamines used in experiments can also contribute to liver cancer.
High-Risk Groups for Liver Cancer
Age: Older individuals have a higher risk.
Gender: Men are at a higher risk than women; on average, for every two men, there is one woman with liver cancer.
Ethnicity: Asians and people living in the Pacific region have a higher risk compared to Europeans.
Other Diseases: Those with hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis, obesity, diabetes, and metabolic disorders are at higher risk.
Lifestyle: Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and steroid use for muscle building increase risk.
Exposure to Toxins: Long-term exposure to arsenic, aflatoxins, vinyl chloride, and thorium dioxide.
