Frankly Speaking About Liver Cancer
A Program of the Cancer Support Community
What is Liver Cancer?
Liver cancer is a cancer that forms from the tissues of the liver. The liver is one of the largest organs in the body. It is on the right side of the body protected by the rib cage. The liver has three important functions:
To filter waste and toxins from the blood
To make bile, which aids in digestion
To store energy
Secondary liver cancer is more common than primary liver cancer. This means the cancer has spread from a primary site and did not start in the liver. Liver cancer is rarely diagnosed early which can change treatment options. You may hear many words used to talk about liver cancer. Some keywords to know are:
JAUNDICE (JAWN-dis) – the yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes and dark-colored urine
ASCITES (uh-SY-teez) – abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen. This may cause swelling. In later stage cancers, tumor cells may be found in this fluid. This can also occur in people with non-cancerous liver diseases.
ESOPHAGEAL VARICES (ee-SAH-fuh-JEE- ul VER-uh-seez) – abnormally enlarged blood vessels (most often veins) in the esophagus (throat). These can develop when blood to the liver is obstructed by a clot or scar tissue.
CIRRHOSIS (seh-ROH-sis) – a disease where liver cells are damaged and replaced by scar tissue
HEPATITIS (HEH-puh-TY-tis) – a group of viruses that affect the liver. It can also refer to general inflammation of the liver. This can be caused by some treatments used for liver cancer.
PRIMARY SITE OR PRIMARY CANCER – the original site or organ where cancer began
METASTASIS (meh-TAS-tuh-sis) – when cancer spreads to other parts of the body from the primary location
TUMOR (TOO-mer) – a swelling of part of the body due to abnormal tissue growth. Tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
PARACENTESIS (PAYR-uh-sen-TEE-sis) – a procedure where a thin needle or tube is put into the abdomen to remove fluid
PARTIAL HEPATECTOMY (HEH-puh-TEK- toh-mee) or Liver Resection (ree-SEK- shun) – the removal of a piece of the liver affected by cancer
LIVER TRANSPLANT – the removal and replacement of the entire liver with a donated organ
Diagnosis & Staging
Risk Factors
Risk factors are things that can increase the chance of developing a disease. Certain cancer risk factors, such as smoking or diet, can be changed. Other cancer risk factors, like a person’s age or family history, cannot be changed. Having one or many risk factors does not mean that a person will get the disease. Liver cancer risk can be reduced by protecting yourself from hepatitis and cirrhosis. The following are risk factors for developing liver cancer:
VIRAL HEPATITIS – Hepatitis is one of the largest risk factors. Hepatitis viruses infect the liver and include hepatitis A, B, and C (HAV, HBV, HCV). Hepatitis is contracted
in several ways. Prevention is possible through:
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- Vaccination (for HAV & HBV)
- Safe sex practices (i.e., the use of condoms)
- Avoiding intravenous (IV; into the vein) drug use
- HCV can be treated and cured with proper medication
CIRRHOSIS – Cirrhosis is a disease where liver cells are damaged and replaced by scar tissue from inflammation. People with cirrhosis have an increased risk of liver cancer. Many (but not all) people who develop liver cancer already have some evidence of cirrhosis. There are several possible causes of cirrhosis. Most cases occur in people who misuse alcohol or have a preexisting hepatitis infection
SEX ASSIGNED AT BIRTH – Liver cancer is much more common in people assigned male at birth than those assigned female
AGE – In the U.S., adult primary liver cancer occurs most often in people over the age of 65
RACE AND ETHNICITY – In the U.S., non- Hispanic American Indian/Alaskan Native people have the highest rates of liver cancer, followed by Hispanics and Latinos, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, non- Hispanic Black or African American people, and whites.
INHERITED METABOLIC DISEASE –
Certain genetic diseases can lead to cirrhosis. For example, people with hemochromatosis (HEE-moh-kroh-muh- TOH-sis); a condition where the body stores more iron than it needs) are more likely to develop cirrhosis because of the high levels of iron in their liver.
DIABETES – Diabetes can also increase the risk of liver cancer, usually in people who have other risk factors such as heavy alcohol use and/or hepatitis.
OBESITY – Obesity may increase the risk of liver cancer due to the increased risk of fatty liver disease and/or cirrhosis.
ANABOLIC STEROIDS – These are male hormones used by some athletes to increase strength. Long-term use of steroids can increase the risk of liver cancer. Cortisone-like steroids such as hydrocortisone, prednisone, and dexamethasone DO NOT carry this same risk
ARSENIC – regular exposure to drinking water contaminated with arsenic, such as that from some wells, can increase the risk of liver cancer. This is more common in parts of East Asia, but may be a concern in some areas of the U.S.
NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE – buildup of fat in the liver not related to the misuse of alcohol
EXPOSURE TO AFLATOXINS – Aflatoxins are poisons produced by molds that grow in some crops, like grains, corn, and nuts. Despite regulations, these food products can become contaminated and could be eaten by anyone.
EXCESSIVE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION – Drinking more than a moderate amount of alcohol daily over many years can lead to irreversible liver damage and increase your risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.
For more information on liver cancer risk factors, visit: www.CancerSupportCommunity.org/Liver-Cancer
Signs and Symptoms of Liver Cancer
Many of the signs and symptoms of liver cancer are like those of other cancers. Common signs and symptoms of liver cancer may include:
- A hard lump or swelling on the right side of the abdomen, just below the ribs
- Pain or discomfort on the upper side of the abdomen
- Pain by the right side of the shoulder blade
- Jaundice
- Nausea, loss of appetite, or feeling full shortly after you begin to eat
- Unexplained and unintentional weight loss
- Fatigue
- Swollen abdomen, bleeding (symptoms of cirrhosis)
- White, chalky stools
If you have any of these symptoms or other concerns, speak with a health care provider.
3 Ways to Shatter the Stigma of Liver Cancer & Find Healing
Managing a liver cancer diagnosis can be challenging, physically and emotionally. Feelings of stigma can make it harder to cope and heal. Here are 3 things you can do to reclaim power.
Many people living with liver cancer feel that they must explain the cause of their condition to others. If you are facing a liver cancer diagnosis, you may feel that you are unfairly judged because of the perceived links between liver cancer and alcohol or drug misuse. The feeling that society has these thoughts about you, even if they go unsaid, can be upsetting.
Liver cancer (also called hepatocellular carcinoma, or HCC) can be accompanied by not only physical burdens, but also emotional ones. You may experience distress, grief, stress, depression, anxiety, or any combination of these feelings. These emotions are often amplified by the stigma that surrounds HCC. Stigma is a collection of negative or unfair ideas that society has about something.
Stigma surrounding liver cancer stems from misconceptions and stereotypes associated with the disease. Many people lack information about liver cancer’s causes and risk factors. This leads to assumptions that HCC is a disease caused by reckless lifestyle choices and behaviors, like smoking, drinking heavily, or using drugs. These negative views can create feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation among people with liver cancer. This can make it harder to cope with a diagnosis and slow the healing process.
You may be wondering, “But what can I do?”
Three things you can do starting today are:
1. Learn About Sources of Stigma Around Liver Cancer
Education plays a pivotal role in ending the stigma of liver cancer. It is essential to address misconceptions and raise awareness about the various risk factors — beyond lifestyle choices — that can lead to HCC. Hepatitis infections, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and simple genetics are just some examples of risk factors that have nothing to do with alcohol and drug misuse. By dispelling myths and promoting accurate information, you can foster empathy and understanding. This can reduce the stigma that hinders your healing.
Coping with the stigma of liver cancer can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Focus on identifying what you can do to find support after a liver cancer diagnosis.
2. Turn to Others for Support & Connection
Coping with the stigma of liver cancer can be overwhelming. Finding support is crucial, whether through an in-person support group or an online community like MyLifeLine, our digital support community for people impacted by cancer. Connecting with other people who are living with HCC can provide a safe space for sharing your experiences and concerns and exchanging coping tips and strategies. Engaging with others who have faced similar challenges also reduces feelings of isolation and provides a sense of belonging.
Mental health professionals can also play a huge role in helping you process your emotions. They can provide important tools for managing your feelings and perceptions about liver cancer.
Did You Know?
CSC offers a variety of professionally led programs at no cost to anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis, whether you are a patient, caregiver, friend, or loved one. We have 190 locations worldwide, with programs that include support groups, classes, and educational workshops.
Find a CSC Support Center Near You
3. Advocate in Your Community and Beyond
Advocacy is another powerful tool in combatting stigma. By sharing your story and experiences, you can promote accurate information about HCC and break down stigmas associated with the disease.
You can also advocate by taking part in awareness campaigns and fundraisers or volunteering for organizations that support liver cancer research and patient care.
By taking your personal experience and transforming it into a call for change, everyone can shift their narrative and be empowered to face their own battles and misconceptions about liver cancer. Understanding the sources of stigma, dispelling myths, seeking support, and advocating for awareness can help you and others affected by HCC reclaim power and find solace in healing.
Adrienne Wilson Spirit Award
The Adrienne Wilson Spirit Award (AWSA) is specifically designed for patients diagnosed with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Blue Faery created the AWSA to recognize patients who share Adrienne Wilson’s spirit, strength, and courage. Therefore, we are looking for HCC patients who are advocates for themselves as well as others during their fight against liver cancer. The application process is year-round. We only require four documents:
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AWSA application (fill in the form below)
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Email [email protected]
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A confirmation of your diagnosis signed by your doctor on letterhead. (We will contact your physician.)
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Two character references. One must be from a non-relative. (We may or may not contact your references.)
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Do not mail any documents. The entire process is electronic now. If we have any questions, we will e-mail or call you. If selected, you will be notified by e-mail.
Although we accept applications throughout the year, we have limited funds so we cannot grant each request.
Application form …
https://www.bluefaery.org/adrienne-wilson-spirit-award
Blue Faery Liver Cancer
Blue Faery’s mission is to prevent, treat and cure primary liver cancer, specifically Hepatocellular Carcinoma, through research, education, and advocacy. Our work will improve the quality of life for HCC patients, support their caregivers and give them hope, information, and a voice.
RESEARCH
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To accelerate the acquisition and application of scientific understanding and to advance the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and cure of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
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To increase the scientific understanding of the correlation between hepatitis, lifestyle choices, and Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
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To establish international alliances in a joint effort to find a cure for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
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To make clinical trials and treatment options available to all patients diagnosed with Hepatocellular Carcinoma regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity.
EDUCATION
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To educate the public on the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and prevention of Hepatocellular Carcinoma through lectures and literature developed by the organization, as well as through the use of Adrienne Wilson’s name, likeness, personal story, and medical case history.
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To educate the public on the correlation between hepatitis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
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To educate the public on the other known causes of HCC, including Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) caused by obesity and lifestyle choices.
ADVOCACY
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To increase influence with private and public organizations to achieve Blue Faery’s goals.
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To increase awareness of Blue Faery among the general public in order to increase support for our mission and reach more people with the services we provide.
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To facilitate contact among patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma, their families, and healthcare providers for the purposes of support, exchange of knowledge, and participation in clinical trials.
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