Doing these things can effectively prevent liver cancer

Primary liver cancer (abbreviated as liver cancer) is a highly prevalent malignant tumor in my country. The latest global cancer burden estimate data for 2020 released by the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) showed that China's liver cancer incidence rate ranked fifth among malignant tumors in China in 2020, with 410,000 new cases; the mortality rate ranked second, with 391,000 deaths. In the past five years, the average annual number of liver cancer cases in my country was 423,000, accounting for 42.5% of the world. Because the early symptoms of liver cancer are atypical, by the time typical symptoms such as liver pain, gastrointestinal symptoms and bleeding appear, most patients have developed to the middle and late stages and lost the opportunity for surgery. So, how can we effectively reduce the risk of liver cancer and control the development of the disease in our lives?

1. Hepatitis B vaccination

China is a country with a high incidence of hepatitis B. Most liver cancers in my country develop from hepatitis B cirrhosis. Vaccination with hepatitis B vaccine is the most economical and effective way to prevent hepatitis B virus infection. my country has included hepatitis B immunization in its immunization program since 1992. Among the vaccinated population, the positive rate of hepatitis B surface antigen has dropped significantly. Vaccination with hepatitis B vaccine can prevent hepatitis B virus infection, thereby further preventing liver cancer caused by it.

2. Antiviral treatment

In addition to the hepatitis B population, the number of hepatitis C patients is also gradually increasing, and the risk of liver cancer may increase after contracting hepatitis C. For patients with hepatitis B or C, antiviral treatment can maximally suppress or eliminate the hepatitis virus, delay and reduce the risk of related liver damage, cirrhosis and liver cancer.

3. Healthy Lifestyle

Develop good living habits, pay attention to quitting smoking and drinking, exercise properly, eat a low-fat diet, advocate a vegetable-based diet, do not eat pickled, smoked, grilled or moldy food, get enough sleep, maintain a healthy weight and do not drink contaminated water. Pay attention to reducing food storage time, strengthen food drying, avoid mold on kitchen bamboo and wooden tableware, and reduce the production and contact of aflatoxin.

IV. Early Screening

Early screening helps early detection, early diagnosis and early treatment, which is the key to improving the efficacy of liver cancer treatment. The main means of early screening include serum alpha-fetoprotein, abnormal prothrombin and liver ultrasound examination. In particular, people at high risk of liver cancer, such as those with hepatitis, excessive drinking, cirrhosis and a family history of liver cancer, should undergo relevant screening at least once every six months.

Liver cancer is a common malignant tumor. Regular vaccination against hepatitis B, treatment of hepatitis B or C, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular check-ups are effective "shields" against liver cancer. Early detection of trends and signs of liver disease can lead to timely intervention, early detection and early treatment, and prevent small problems from gradually developing into liver disease, which helps protect liver function and prevent the occurrence of liver cancer.