Deaths from liver cancer have increased considerably in the U.S. in recent years. Learning about the known causes of liver cancer and taking action against them can significantly reduce your risk.

Risk Factors:

• Chronic hepatitis B or C infection
  
  
• Cirrhosis (scar tissue on the liver)
  
  
• Heavy alcohol use
  
  
• Smoking
  
  
• Obesity
  
  
• Diabetes
  
  
• Contact with aflatoxins (poisons that can grow on certain foods like peanuts, corn and rice when they aren’t stored properly)

Preventive Measures:

• Get the hepatitis B vaccine.
  
  
• Take steps to reduce your chances of a hepatitis C infection.
  
  
• If you are sexually active, do not engage in unprotected sex.
  
  
• If you are getting a piercing or tattoo, make sure you go to a clean and safe shop.
  
  
• Avoid using IV drugs. However, if you do, only use sterile needles.
  
  
• If you don’t drink alcohol, don’t start. If you do, limit yourself to two alcoholic beverages a day if you’re a man, or one a day if you’re a woman.
  
  
• Avoid tobacco. If you already use tobacco and are ready to quit, please contact us at 479-361-5847 to speak with someone about our Tobacco Cessation Program.

October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month. Visit liverfoundation.org to learn more about the disease.