A public health nurse, Mrs Mojirade Kehinde, has given a vital hint on the connection between alcohol and liver cancer.
According to her, liver cancer as a silent epidemic that was becoming increasingly common among Nigerians.
Kehinde said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, in Ibadan.
“Liver cancer is an increasingly common form of cancer that can go undetected and untreated. It is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths globally,” she said.
According to her, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and hepatitis infection can lead to liver cancer.
She said that family history of liver cancer was also a risk factor for liver cancer.
Kehinde identified some of the symptoms of liver cancer as abdominal pain, loss of appetite and sudden weight loss.
“Usually, liver cancer is not discovered until it is too late to be treated effectively.
“Therefore, it is important to have a regular health check-up and reduce the risk of this condition,” she said.
She advised Nigerians to shun unhealthy lifestyles, and not indulge in habits that could endanger their health.
Liver cancer risk factors according to University Hospitals:
Having hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection. Having both hepatitis B and hepatitis C increases the risk even more.
Having cirrhosis.
Heavy alcohol use. Heavy alcohol use and having hepatitis B infection increases the risk even more.
Eating foods tainted with aflatoxin (poison from a fungus that can grow on foods, such as grains and nuts, that have not been stored properly).
Having nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a condition in which fat builds up in the liver and may progress to inflammation of the liver and liver cell damage.
Using tobacco, such as cigarette smoking.
Having certain inherited or rare disorders that damage the liver, including the following:
