13/05/2026
Formative Empowerment on , the leading cause of cancer death worldwide.
Liver cancer is a malignant tumor originating in the liver (primary) or spreading from elsewhere (secondary), with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the most common form. It is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide, often driven by chronic hepatitis or liver cirrhosis.
Treatment options include surgery, liver transplant, ablation, or targeted therapies, particularly when detected early.
The most common type of liver cancer, Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) starts in the main liver cells (hepatocytes) and is often associated with chronic liver disease.
Major risk factors of liver cancer include chronic hepatitis B or C virus infection, cirrhosis, heavy alcohol use, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
It is important to note that this particular risk factor known as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), formerly known as NAFLD, is a common condition caused by excessive fat buildup in the liver linked to metabolic factors like obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Affecting over 30% of adults globally, it can cause liver inflammation (MASH), cirrhosis, or liver failure, but is often reversible through diet, exercise, and significant weight loss.
There are often no symptoms in early stages of liver cancer. However, at Later stages, symptoms may include upper abdominal pain on the right side, a swollen abdomen, weight loss, loss of appetite, and jaundice.
Early detection of liver cancer is crucial. While ultrasound is the standard process of diagnosis, new, more accurate blood-based tests (like HelioLiver) are being developed to detect early-stage liver cancer.
Treatment of liver cancer include surgery through removal of the tumor or partial hepatectomy. Liver Transplant is also an option by replacing the diseased liver. Ablation techniques such as radiofrequency ablation (using heat) or cryoablation (using freezing) to destroy tumor cells.
It is also important to state that new gene therapies (targeted immunotherapy) are under development to boost immune attack against liver cancer.
Finally, the 5-year survival rate is generally low, about 18%, largely because it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. However, early detection significantly improves survival.
Public health awareness of Liver Cancer.
Onyibupet Consulting Limited: A health sector consulting)
