In honour of World Cancer Day on the 4^th of February, Hepatitis Queensland is busting five common liver cancer myths. 1,827 Queenslanders died from liver cancer in 2018, the 7^th most common cause of cancer death.

Myth 1 – You can’t do anything to change your chance of developing liver cancer

Truth 1 – Up to 70% of liver cancer is preventable, and there are simple things we can all do to protect our liver:

Myth 2 – Liver cancer is always caused by alcohol

Truth 2 – Drinking alcohol increases your risk of developing liver cancer, but the most common cause of liver cancer in Australia is infection with hepatitis B or hepatitis C. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is also an increasingly common cause of liver cancer.

Myth 3 – There is no cure for liver cancer

Truth 3 – There are many treatments available for liver cancer. Early detection of liver cancer gives you the best chance of cure.

Myth 4 – Liver cancer has obvious symptoms

Truth 4 – Most people with early liver cancer don’t have any symptoms or they may be mild. Symptoms may include:

Myth 5 – Liver cancer is difficult to treat

Truth 5 – Early detection of liver cancer gives you the most treatment options. Treatments for liver cancer can include surgery (including transplant), chemotherapy, tumour ablation (killing targeted parts of the liver), radiation or biological therapy.

Liver cancer monitoring

Early liver cancer may not have any symptoms. If you have risk factors for liver cancer your doctor may recommend regular monitoring. This will be an ultrasound and a blood test every six months. Visit our health services directory to find a liver clinic close to you.

More information

The Cancer Council has an Understanding Cancer in the Liver guide for people affected by primary liver cancer or secondary cancer in the liver.

If you have any questions about your liver health or liver cancer prevention, call the Hepatitis Queensland Infoline on 1800 437 222.