When diagnosed with hepatitis C, the doctor may tell the patient that hepatitis C is also associated with liver cancer.
At this point, instead of blindly worrying, patients may want to learn more about it, ease their concerns, and learn how to change their habits so they can stay as healthy as possible.
The following are things that patients may need to know:
Does liver cancer occur in most people with hepatitis C?
No. There are more than 3 million people with hepatitis C in the United States, but less than 5% of them will develop liver cancer.
Why do some people with hepatitis C get liver cancer?
Patients are at a higher risk of developing liver cancer if they have scarring (cirrhosis) of the liver. About 20% of people with chronic hepatitis C will develop cirrhosis.
Why does cirrhosis sometimes lead to liver cancer?
Cirrhosis takes 20 years or more to develop. During this time, the healthy cells in the liver are slowly replaced by scar tissue.
While this scar tissue is growing, the liver is trying to repair itself by producing new cells.
But the more cells that are produced in the liver during this process, the more likely it is that the cells will change (or mutate). And cell mutations are what cause liver cancer, which can increase the risk of developing liver cancer.
Do all people with cirrhosis develop liver cancer?
No. Only about 20% of people with hepatitis C who develop cirrhosis develop liver cancer.
Can people with hepatitis C reduce their risk of developing cirrhosis?
Yes.
Yes, and the best thing to do is to stop drinking. If a person with hepatitis C drinks alcohol, it can accelerate liver damage and the person can develop cirrhosis more quickly.
Does quitting smoking help prevent liver cancer?
It definitely helps. Smoking increases the risk of liver cancer, even in people who don’t have hepatitis C.
One study showed that the risk of liver cancer in current and former smokers was twice as high as in nonsmokers.
Should I avoid taking the drug?
Some over-the-counter painkillers (such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen) can damage the liver. Some medications and sedatives that help you sleep can also damage your liver.
It is best to consult your doctor about whether to avoid these medications.
Which type of hepatitis C is most likely to cause liver cancer?
People with genotype 1b hepatitis C have twice the risk of developing liver cancer than people with other types of hepatitis C. Testing can determine what genotype of hepatitis C virus infection is present.
Are there any tests that can detect liver cancer early?
Yes.
Yes. CT (computerized X-ray axial tomography) scans or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can help your doctor diagnose liver tumors. If you have cirrhosis, talk to your doctor about how often you should be screened.
Your doctor may also recommend a blood test to check the level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in your blood, which is a sign of liver cancer.