One of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, liver cancer, claims thousands of lives each year. 2022 saw the 866,136 cases of cancer (World Cancer Research Fund), with China, US and Japan having the highest numbers. This type of cancer starts when there is a rapid growth of abnormal cells in the tissue of the liver, it is not only severely damaging to our health but also leads to deaths. However, how much of this is due to our own unhealthy habits and could have been prevented? A recent study from a medical journal called The Lancet has found that up to 60% of liver cancer cases could be stopped. The research shows that many of the biggest causes of this serious disease can be treated or avoided. These include things like viral hepatitis, drinking too much alcohol, and a buildup of fat in the liver from obesity. This is great news because it means countries have a huge opportunity to save millions of lives by focusing on prevention. Liver cancer is a major problem around the world. It’s the sixth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer deaths. If nothing changes, the number of cases is expected to almost double by 2050. Key Risk Factors: Old and New Threats The study points to several key reasons people get liver cancer. For a long time, the main culprits were viral hepatitis B and C. But now, thanks to successful vaccines and better treatments, the number of cases from these viruses is expected to go down. However, a new problem is on the rise: fatty liver disease (also known as MASLD), which is often linked to obesity. The study predicts that by 2040, more than half of all Americans will have this condition, putting them at a higher risk for liver cancer. This is a big change, as doctors used to think liver cancer was mainly caused by hepatitis or alcohol. Signs and Symptoms of Liver Cancer Liver cancer and other conditions can cause a variety of symptoms. If you experience any of the following, it is important to talk with a doctor. A hard lump or discomfort in the upper abdomen on the right side, just below the rib cage could be a sign. Another cause of concern could be a swollen abdomen or pain in the back or near the right shoulder blade. Other possible signs include JaundiceUnusual tiredness or weakness.Nausea and vomiting, or a loss of appetite. You might also feel full after eating only a small amount of food.Unexplained weight loss.Easy bruising or bleeding.Changes in bodily waste, such as pale, chalky bowel movements and dark urine.A persistent fever.A Path Forward for Prevention The report gives us a clear path forward to lower liver cancer rates. One of the best things we can do is to make sure more people get the hepatitis B vaccine and that people with hepatitis C are screened and treated. It's also crucial to tackle the growing issue of fatty liver disease. This can be done by screening people who are at high risk, such as those with obesity or diabetes. Spreading the word about healthy eating and exercise can also make a big difference. The study authors estimate that even a small reduction of just 2% to 5% in new cases each year could prevent between 9 and 17 million new cases of liver cancer globally by 2050, potentially saving up to 15 million lives.