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LIVER cancer rates are rising, with thousands killed every year. But what are the symptoms?
Liver cancer is a serious form of the disease that kills over 5,000 people a year.
According to Cancer Research UK, rates have risen by 142 per cent since the 1990s.
Primary liver cancer – that begins in the liver – is less common then secondary liver cancer, which begins elsewhere in the body and spreads to the liver.
According to the NHS, the exact cause is unknown, however most cases are linked to damage and scarring of the liver known as cirrhosis.
There are a number of risk factors associated with cirrhosis.
These include drinking excessive amounts of alcohol over a number years and having a long-term hepatitis B or hepatitis C viral infection.
Additionally, haemochromatosis – an inherited disorder in which iron levels in the body slowly build up – and primary bile cirrhosis, a long-term liver disease, could also be triggers.
The NHS recommend reducing your chances of developing the deadly condition by cutting down on alcohol, eating healthily, exercising regularly and reducing risk of hepatitis B and C infections.