LIVER CANCER
RISK FACTORS

Diabetes
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Asian Americans have the highest proportion (50%) of undiagnosed diabetes. Diabetes can increase the risk of liver cancer. It’s important to work closely with your doctor to manage your diabetes. Your doctor may prescribe medication and recommend diet and exercise.

Smoking — quitting may be easier with help
Smoking is linked to an increase in the likelihood of liver cancer. Quitting smoking is an action you can take for your health. For those who smoke, talk to your doctor, as there are many resources to help you quit smoking.

Alcohol — drink moderately
Heavy drinkers are 5 times more likely to develop liver cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends no more than 1 drink a day for women and 2 for men.

Aflatoxin exposure
Some Asians who have immigrated to the United States came from countries where exposure to poisons called aflatoxins is a problem. Exposure to aflatoxins is associated with an increased risk of liver cancer. Aflatoxins are produced by molds that grow on plant products, such as peanuts, grains, or corn.

Consuming meat or dairy products from animals that ate contaminated feed can also lead to exposure. In the United States, there have been no reported outbreaks of human illness as a result of aflatoxins; however, in developing countries, this has been a problem.

Diabetes
Hispanics in the United States are twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes than non-Hispanic whites. What’s more, they are likely to develop it earlier and have more complications. Work with your doctor to manage your diabetes.

• Commit to regular checkups, at least once a year or as recommended by your doctor. Find a doctor you can communicate with, or bring a family member or friend with you to help you communicate with your doctor
• Get your whole family involved in learning about healthy eating and exercise habits. This can help you stick with a new diet or exercise routine, as well as help your children, who are also at higher risk for type 2 diabetes, to adopt healthy habits. Talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise program or making dietary changes
• If your doctor prescribes insulin for your diabetes, take it as directed. When working with your doctor to manage diabetes, it’s very important that you take each medicine you’re prescribed as directed by your doctor

Fatty liver disease — the epidemic you’ve never heard of
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease — or NAFLD for short — is caused by a combination of obesity, diabetes, and other factors. Studies have shown that nearly half of Hispanics live with this condition, which is described as excess fat being stored in the liver.

NAFLD affects an estimated 75 million to 100 million Americans and is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the country. Hispanic Americans have the highest risk of developing fatty liver disease and having the condition worsen over time, compared to other ethnic groups.

Despite how common this condition is in Hispanics, there are a number of actions that can be taken to lower risk for fatty liver disease and liver cancer. Talk to your doctor to learn more about fatty liver disease and how to manage it.

Obesity — make a plan to maintain a healthy body weight
Being overweight is linked to liver cancer. Work with your family and your doctor to put together a plan you can really commit to, aimed at getting your weight under control.

Diet — embrace a healthier way of eating
Speak to your doctor about making mindful changes to your diet to potentially decrease the severity of fatty liver disease and help reduce risk for diabetes.

• Adopting a low-glycemic diet rich in plant-based foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes) and fish has been shown to be effective in reducing liver fat, even if it doesn’t reduce overall body weight
• Lower your consumption of red meats and high-fat dairy products, and only drink alcohol in moderation, such as a glass of red wine with a meal

Hepatitis C (HCV) — a curable infection
One reason that liver cancer is so high among Hispanics is the number of hepatitis C virus infections. Older Hispanics may have gotten HCV as a result of an organ donation or a blood transfusion. It’s also possible to get HCV through other means, such as sexual contact with an infected person or sharing needles.

No matter how someone might get an HCV infection, it’s important to realize 2 things:

1. An HCV infection could lead to liver damage and, from there, liver cancer
2. HCV is treatable — and may be curable; getting diagnosed and treating HCV can help lower your risk for liver cancer

Never share needles
Sharing of contaminated intravenous (IV) needles raises the risk for HCV infection, and HCV can lead to liver cancer.

Alcohol — drink moderately
Drinking a lot of alcohol can lead to cirrhosis, which raises your risk for liver cancer. For those who drink alcohol, commit to only moderate amounts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends no more than 1 drink a day for women and 2 for men.

Smoking — quitting may be easier with help
Smoking is linked to an increase in the likelihood of liver cancer. Quitting smoking is an action you can take for your health. For those who smoke, talk to your doctor, as there are many resources to help you quit smoking.

Aflatoxin exposure
Some Hispanics who have immigrated to the United States came from countries where exposure to poisons called aflatoxins is a problem. Exposure to aflatoxins is associated with an increased risk of liver cancer. Aflatoxins are produced by molds that grow on plant products, such as peanuts, grains, or corn.

Consuming meat or dairy products from animals that ate contaminated feed can also lead to exposure. In the United States, there have been no reported outbreaks of human illness as a result of aflatoxins; however, in developing countries, this has been a problem.