Liver cancer is a disease that has been increasing in recent years among the Latino population living in the United States. According with Dr. Howard Monsour, Chief of Hepatology at Houston Methodist Hospital, the highest risk factor for liver cancer is cirrhosis. However, cirrhosis is not the only factor that can trigger this type of cancer, as other diseases such as hepatitis B and C, fatty liver disease and alcoholic liver disease, can also provoke it.
During the past ten years, liver cancer has increased in incidence in the population of Mexican origin in the United States, especially in Texas. Dr. Monsour said this may be caused by obesity, which is becoming more common among Latinos; resulting in the development of fatty liver disease.
The specialist explained that in addition to obesity and diabetes, another aspect that can trigger liver cancer is genetic. The PNPLA3 gene seems to be playing a very important role in the incidence of this cancer in this population group. Since, it has been found that 45 percent of Mexicans have this gene in the United States; which is involved in inflammation of the liver when ingested alcoholic beverages or when it becomes fatty liver. Carriers of the gene are more likely to develop liver diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma.
In the case of hepatocellular carcinoma, when it was timely diagnosed, it has a relatively high probability of cure, which ranges between 57 and 73 percent of cases. Therefore, early diagnosis is very important.
To avoid developing any liver disease, Dr. Monsour recommended having a healthier lifestyle and a balanced diet. It is important to be physically active and avoid drinking alcohol and smoking.
If a person has hepatitis B or C, fatty liver disease or cirrhosis, the doctor recommended performing a liver ultrasound every six months.
According to figures from the Mexican Ministry of Health, liver cancer claims more than five thousand lives in Mexico yearly. Based on numbers published by the World Health Organization (WHO), this type of cancer has an annually incidence that equals its mortality worldwide.
Via: Agencia ID
