Join the commitment to reduce liver cancer on World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day is an international day held on February 4 to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment.

Did you know?

• Liver cancer is our fastest growing cause of cancer death, and the seventh leading cause of cancer deaths in Australia
• Men are three times as likely to be diagnosed as women
• Treatments exist for many forms of liver cancer, so see your doctor if concerned
• Prevention strategies to reduce the spread of hepatitis B and the incidence of primary liver cancer include vaccinating people at risk against the virus, and monitoring the health of people already infected
• Causes of liver cancer include Hepatitis B or C viruses which result in long term (chronic) infection – the biggest known risk factor for primary liver cancer in Australia.
• Other factors can increase the risk of developing liver cancer, such as:

– fatty liver disease or genetic disorders including haemochromatosis, or alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency

– type 2 diabetes

– high alcohol consumption

– obesity

– smoking tobacco

– exposure to certain chemicals.

The World Cancer Day campaign ‘I Am and I Will’ encourages supporters to reflect on what they can do to reduce the impact of cancer for themselves, their community and the wider world. This theme serves as a powerful reminder that we all have a positive role to play in creating a world without cancer.

For those experiencing liver cancer, their World Cancer Day message may be ‘I am a survivor and I will inspire others’ or ‘I am experiencing liver cancer and I will spread the word about liver health.’  Whoever you are, your actions – big and small – can make lasting, positive change.