A health expert has revealed the warning signs of liver cancer – one of which can be appear at meal times.
The disease is responsible for around 5,800 fatalities in the UK every year – the equivalent of 16 deaths per day. Alarmingly, the NHS warns that most patients are diagnosed too late for treatment to be effective.
The illness can be difficult to catch early on because its early symptoms often remain hidden until the advanced stages of the condition, according to the American Cancer Society. Medics also warn that the first health red flag is brushed off by sufferers, or attributed to another illness.
Joseph Ambani, a Medical Doctor at GlowBar, explained that the first sign that liver cancer could be present is feeling abdominal discomfort or loss of appetite, , the Mirror reports.
He said: “Generally, people living with liver cancer will find themselves losing their appetite for food or being unable to eat as much as before due to abdominal discomfort or nausea.”
He continued: “Additionally, those affected by the disease may find that even eating small amounts causes pain and discomfort in the stomach area.”
Primary liver cancer originates within the liver itself, while secondary liver cancer begins elsewhere in the body before spreading to the organ.
When detected early, the cancer can be targeted via numerous treatments, such as removing the diseased part of the organ or replacing it entirely with a transplant. To give yourself the best chance of surviving the condition, it is important to familiarise yourself with its early symptoms.
Liver cancer symptoms
Dr Ambani urged patients to “pay close attention to your body’s warning signs”. According to the medic, the full list of early symptoms could include:
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Abdominal pain
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Unexplained weight loss
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Loss of appetite
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Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the eyes)
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An enlarged abdomen due to fluid build-up (ascites)
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Shortness of breath
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Fatigue or weakness
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Nausea or vomiting.
Although these symptoms are common signs of liver cancer, they can also indicate other illnesses that are not cancerous.
Lisa Jacques, Cancer Nurse at Perci Health, explained: “Having these symptoms does not mean you definitely have liver cancer. It is important to speak to your GP about these symptoms, or any other symptoms that you are concerned about. If they are caused by cancer, detecting cancer earlier means it is more treatable.”
According to NHS Inform, it is unclear exactly what causes liver cancer, but most cases are linked to scarring and damage of the liver, known as cirrhosis.
Cirrhosis can be caused by factors like excessive alcohol consumption and chronic hepatitis B or C infections. Obesity can also increase the likelihood of developing liver cancer, because it encourages the potential development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
To reduce these risks, health experts recommend limiting your alcohol intake, following a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and taking precautions against hepatitis B and C infections.
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