Prevention of liver cancer: from routine to scientific control

Hepatitis cancer is a malignant tumour that poses a serious threat to human health, with hundreds of thousands of deaths per year from liver cancer worldwide. In China, the incidence of and mortality from liver cancer remains high, accounting for nearly half of global liver cancer cases. How to prevent liver cancer is the subject of concern for everyone. This paper will introduce effective strategies for the prevention of liver cancer in the context of scientific research and living practices.I. Understanding the main causes of liver cancerThe first step in preventing liver cancer is to recognize the main contributing factors and to intervene at the root.1. Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) infectionHepatitis B and C virus infections are among the leading causes of liver cancer. Data show that more than 80 per cent of liver cancer cases are related to hepatitis B and C infections. Hepatitis B is transmitted through mother-to-child, blood and sexual transmission, while hepatitis C is transmitted mainly through blood.2. OverdrinkingThe chronic high consumption of alcohol can lead to alcohol-related liver disease, which may eventually develop into cirrhosis and liver cancer. Alcohol has a direct toxic effect on the liver, damaging liver cells and causing chronic inflammation.3. Aflatoxin exposureAflatoxin is a powerful carcinogen, mainly in contaminated grains, peanuts and maize. Long-term ingestion of aflatoxin-containing food can significantly increase the risk of liver cancer.Obesity and fatty liverObesity can lead to non-alcoholic fatty hepatitis (NAFLD) and thus to non-alcoholic fat hepatitis (NASH), which may eventually lead to liver cancer.5. Genetic and other risk factorsSome genetic diseases (e.g., hepatitis, hepato-beans nucleus) may increase the risk of liver cancer. In addition, chronic exposure to toxic chemicals (e.g., chlorine dioxide, phenol) or adverse living habits (e.g., smoking) can affect liver health.II. Scientific strategies for the prevention and control of liver cancerThe risk of liver cancer can be significantly reduced by the adoption of scientifically effective preventive and control measures in response to these contributing factors.1. Vaccination: the first step in preventing hepatitis B infectionHepatitis B vaccine is the most effective method of preventing hepatitis B virus infection and an important means of reducing the incidence of liver cancer. Early vaccination against hepatitis B is essential for those who are not yet infected.Neonatal immunization: the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine was administered within 24 hours of birth, followed by full immunization.(c) Improved protection for high-risk groups: medical personnel and persons living with hepatitis B infection in the family should regularly check the level of hepatitis B antibodies and, if necessary, provide additional vaccinations.2. Healthy diet: away from aflatoxinFood safety is an important part of preventing liver cancer.To avoid eating bad foods: especially corn, peanuts and rice.Proper storage of food: keep the food dry and ventilated and avoid aflatoxin breeding.Selecting regular food: Buying foods with safe certification and avoiding foods of unknown origin.3. Alcohol control: reducing the risk of alcohol hepatitisLimiting alcohol intake: Avoiding alcohol consumption as much as possible, with male daily alcohol intake not exceeding 25 grams (approximately 750 ml of beer) and female consumption not exceeding 15 grams.Rehabilitation: For those who are already dependent on liver disease or alcohol, scientific remission should take place under the direction of a doctor.4. Combat obesity and fatty liverThe role of obesity and fatty liver in preventing liver cancer is receiving increasing attention.Healthy diet: Reduce intake of high fat, high sugar, high-heat food and increase the proportion of vegetables, fruit and food fibre.Regular motion: At least 150 minutes per week of aerobics with moderate intensity, such as walking, swimming, etc.Periodic examination of liver function: especially for overweight or obese persons, periodic examination of liver health is required.Avoiding unnecessary blood and needle contactCautional blood transfusion: selection of a regular health facility to avoid contracting hepatitis B, C virus as a result of blood transfusion.Use of one-time needles: in medical or beauty scenes (e.g. tattoos, acupuncture), ensure use of one-time devices.6. Periodic medical examinations: early detection, early treatmentFor those at high risk of liver cancer (e.g. hepatitis B, C, cirrhosis of the liver), regular medical examinations are important.Inspection projects: liver function detection (ALT, AST, etc.), serum aprotein (AFP), liver ultrasound, etc.Suggested frequency: Liver screening is conducted every six months and contributes to early detection of liver cancer or associated pathologies.III. Maintaining good habitsIn addition to targeted preventive measures, the following healthy living habits also contribute to reducing the risk of liver cancer.Maintaining a balanced dietMultiple ingestion of antioxidation substances such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and polyphenol in green tea, which have some effect on the protection of the liver.High-quality proteins, such as fish, eggs, beans products, contribute to hepatic cell repair.Reduction of processed foods: Avoiding excessive ingestion of chemical substances such as additives and artificial pigments.2. Maintaining mental healthLong-term stress has had a negative impact on liver health. Depression through meditation, yoga, etc. contributes to overall health.3. Avoidance of substance abuse and health productsMany drugs and health products increase the liver burden and even cause liver damage. Doctors should be consulted before drugs are used to avoid overdependence.IV. Summary and outlookThe occurrence of liver cancer is the result of a combination of factors, and scientific prevention is key to reducing its incidence. The risk of liver cancer can be effectively reduced through vaccination against hepatitis B, diet control, alcohol and tobacco cessation, regular exercise and periodic medical examinations. The liver is a “chemical plant” for the human body, with important functions such as detoxification and metabolism. The protection of liver health is not only the prevention of liver cancer, but also an important guarantee for improving the quality of life. It is hoped that through this sharing, attention will be paid to the prevention and control of liver cancer, starting in daily life, moving away from liver cancer and embracing healthy lives. Liver cancer