Recognize liver disease earlier, prevent cancer!

Early diagnosis of liver disease can prevent cancer development

Liver disease is relatively common and, in the worst case, can result in liver cancer. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of liver disease, however, the cancer could usually be prevented, according to the German Liver Foundation on the occasion of the World Cancer Day.

"Hepatocellular carcinoma is the second leading cancer-related cause of death worldwide," says Professor Dr. med. Michael P. Manns, CEO of the German Liver Foundation. A majority of these cancers are preceded by liver cirrhosis. In about 80 to 90 percent of cases develop the liver cell cancer based on cirrhosis, which in turn is due to a long-standing liver disease, the expert said. Early-onset countermeasures could help here, but liver ailments are often detected very late, as initially no obvious symptoms.

With early diagnosis and treatment of liver disease, the development of liver cancer can often be prevented. (Image: magicmine / fotolia.com)

Number of liver cancer deaths doubled

"The number of deaths due to liver cell cancer has more than doubled since the 1970s," and "in Germany, too, the numbers are rising," emphasizes Prof. Manns. Every year, about 8,200 new cases and almost as many deaths are recorded. The precursors of these cancers often form liver diseases that result in liver cirrhosis. However, sufferers often have no symptoms with incipient cirrhosis, so that they initially remain unrecognized. "That's why it's important that action days such as the World Cancer Day highlight the possibilities that prevention and early detection offer for the prevention of liver cancer," said the CEO of the German Liver Foundation.

Liver cell cancer curable only in early stages

Increased blood levels of liver are, according to the expert, a significant warning sign of liver disease and, in addition, an ultrasound scan may serve to diagnose. However, "seven out of ten liver cell cancers are still being detected at an advanced stage," reports the German Liver Foundation. However, hepatocellular carcinoma can only be cured if it is detected and treated early. Therefore, the Liver Foundation calls for more preventive examinations and increased public awareness of liver cancer.

Cirrhosis usually the precursor

The liver cell cancer develops directly from the liver cells and usually based on liver cirrhosis, which goes back to a long-standing liver disease, explains the German Liver Foundation. In cirrhosis, "the healthy, active liver tissue is replaced by connective tissue, which can not take on the diverse metabolic tasks of healthy liver tissue." The causes of liver cirrhosis are wide-ranging. According to Professor Manns, besides alcohol abuse, chronic infections with the hepatitis B, hepatitis C or hepatitis delta viruses, non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD) are also becoming more common risk factors. Furthermore, according to the expert, diabetes, hereditary metabolic diseases and molds in the diet can lead to liver damage with subsequent liver cell disease.

Readiness for preventive examinations decreases

The German Liver Foundation sees a considerable need to catch up in the investigation of hepatocellular carcinoma, since recent study results of the research institute Forsa prove that the fear of people from malignant tumors decreases and thus the willingness to participate in preventive medical care. "Only 49 percent - just about every second - is currently using cancer screening" and in the year ".2010 there were still 60 percent," reports the German Liver Foundation. Also declining is the interest in regular exercise and healthy diet.

Western lifestyle a risk factor

"People need to understand that HCC precursors like a non-alcoholic fatty liver are often caused by our Western lifestyle, which is often characterized by inadequate physical activity and an abundant supply of sugary food," explains Prof. Manns. The German Liver Foundation is pleased about the worldwide commitment to the World Cancer Day and is active even in various fields of action in the fight against liver diseases, which can lead among other things to liver cell cancer. "Campaign goals match our demands for early detection and healthy lifestyles" and "we will resolutely continue our efforts to fight tumors such as liver cell cancer"; so the conclusion of Professor Manns. (Fp)