CEBU, Philippines - The liver is one of the most important organs of the body. But among other cancers besetting Cebuanos, it ranks first in males and fourth in females, with incidence rates beginning to rise at the age of 30 and 40, respectively.
This is according to data from the Metro Cebu Population-based Cancer Registry of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI)-Eduardo J. Aboitiz Cancer Center (EJACC).
Of those diagnosed with the disease, 80 percent are caused by Hepatitis B while the remaining 20 percent is due to alcoholism.
In EJACC's 1998-2007 data, there were 2,623 deaths from the 3,174 liver cancer cases, or a mortality rate of 82.64 percent. Lapu-Lapu City has the highest number of liver cancer cases in Metro Cebu.
Most primary liver cancers begin in the liver cells or the hepatocytes. This type of cancer is called hepatocellular carcinoma or malignant hepatoma. Liver cancer cells can spread by breaking away from the original tumor. They mainly spread by entering blood vessels, but liver cancer cells can also be found in lymph nodes. The cancer cells may attach to other tissues and grow to form new tumors that may damage those tissues.
Liver cancer is common in the Philippines because many Filipinos suffer from cirrhosis of the liver, a disease in which liver cells become damaged and are replaced by scar tissue. Majority of people who develop liver cancer already have some evidence of cirrhosis. Among the causes of liver cancer are infection of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C viruses, and heavy alcohol use.
Another risk factor for liver cancer among Filipinos is aflatoxin, a harmful substance made by certain types of mold. Aflatoxin can form on peanuts, corn, rice, crude vegetable oils, copra, and other nuts and grains. Moreover, studies have shown that obesity and diabetes may be important risk factors for liver cancer.
Liver cancer has a poor prognosis because signs and symptoms often do not appear until it is usually diagnosed at a very late stage. You may notice one or more of these common symptoms: pain in the upper abdomen on the right side; a lump or a feeling heaviness in the upper abdomen; swollen abdomen; loss of appetite and feelings of fullness; weight loss; nausea and vomiting; feeling tired; and yellowing of skin and eyes or jaundice.
Ronald M. delos Reyes, program coordinator of RAFI-EJACC, encourages the public to take preventive measures to reduce one's risk of having the disease. These measures include complete vaccination for hepatitis B, healthy lifestyle by eating the right food, daily exercise, non-excessive alcohol intake, and proper storage of food. Source: http://www.cancer.gov
The Freeman and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) is running bi-monthly features on various cancer topics to emphasize the importance of early detection in preventing cancer and to increase public support for cancer initiatives. For comments and suggestions, e-mail Hannah.Aranas@rafi.org.ph.