Liver Cancer Awareness Month: What You Need to Know
October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of one of the fastest-growing causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Understanding the signs, knowing your risk factors, and seeking medical advice early can make a real difference.
What is liver cancer?
Primary liver cancer begins in the cells of the liver, the body’s largest internal organ. The liver plays a vital role in filtering toxins, storing nutrients, producing proteins, and helping with digestion.
The most common type of primary liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Who is at risk?
While liver cancer can affect anyone, certain factors increase the risk, including:
- Chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection
- Liver cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Obesity and type 2 diabetes
- Smoking
- A family history of liver disease or liver cancer
Know the signs and symptoms
Liver cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages, which is why awareness is so important. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:
Possible signs and symptoms
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
- Pain or discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen
- Swelling of the abdomen
- Persistent tiredness or weakness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine or pale stools
When should you seek medical advice?
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist, speak to your GP or healthcare professional. These symptoms can be caused by many conditions, but it’s important to get them checked.
Can liver cancer be prevented?
Although not all cases can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Getting vaccinated against hepatitis B
- Getting tested and treated for hepatitis C if you’re at risk
- Avoiding smoking
- Managing long-term liver conditions with your healthcare team
We’re Here to Support You
A cancer diagnosis can affect every aspect of life—not just physically, but emotionally and practically too.
At Cancer Relief Gibraltar, we provide free specialist nursing care, counselling, wellbeing therapies, and support for patients, families, and carers throughout their cancer journey. Whether you have recently been diagnosed, are undergoing treatment, or are supporting someone you love, you don’t have to face it alone.
If you or someone close to you needs support, our team is here to help. Get in touch to find out more about our free services.
Phone: 200 42392
Email: info@cancerrelief.gi
