This winter season, people across the globe celebrated World Cancer Day to raise awareness of the challenges and threats of cancer, which claims about 8.2 million lives each year; and sends countless millions of others into combat mode. In one way or another — given that it does not discriminate — on a global level, cancer has affected our lives, our communities, our loved ones, our co-workers — and even those idolize. To the millions of his devoted music fans — from glamrock to pop to disco — musician extraordinaire David Bowie and his recent death due to liver cancer tops the list. But what is liver cancer, why have some people succumbed to it rather quickly – like our dear friend Al D. Rodriguez? And what are the risks factors and options for liver cancer treatment? Let’s take a quick look.
David Bowie’s recent death has raised liver cancer awareness. (Photo Credit: Adam Bielawski/Wikimedia Commons)
The liver is a football-sized organ that is responsible for several vital functions in our body including filtering blood in circulation from toxins and chemicals, and breaking down nutrients for easy absorption in our bloodstream. However, exposure to certain chronic infections like hepatitis, and having risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, alcohol abuse, and having a fatty liver can each lead to liver damage that may eventually result in liver cancer. In fact, most people diagnosed with liver cancer are found to have cirrhosis – a scarring of the liver usually caused by excessive alcohol intake.
Some cases of liver cancer are caused by the hepatitis virus, which may infect someone for decades without showing any visible signs or symptoms; in this scenario – as was the case of Al D. – by the time affected person learns of the condition, the liver cancer is often already at an irreversible, late stage.
It is important to understand the risk factors to prevent liver cancer. For people who have history of injecting drugs and blood transfusion, for example, it is important be screened for possible hepatitis infection. Those from the baby boomer generation — born from 1945 through 1965 – are also encouraged to be tested for hepatitis C. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, limiting alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight are also important to prevent not only liver cancer, but also other types as well.
Liver cancer treatment may vary depending on the affected person’s health and stage of the disease.
Surgical options include liver transplant and partial hepatectomy or removal of liver cancer. Chemotherapy, radiation and targeted drugs are also available. While there are always exceptions and positive cases that can be identified, the relative 5-year survival rate is projected at being rather low at 15% for many liver cancer patients. This rate greatly improves after surgical removal of the cancer itself, or a liver transplant. Therefore, healthcare quality, options and choices all impact the greater story.
All that said, awareness, education and prevention remain the best tools in the fight against liver cancer. And as a new season approaches, ADRLF asks you to keep that on your wellness radar!
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