Liver cancer is a serious condition, and understanding its causes and risk factors are key to protecting your health. While some risk factors for liver cancer are related to lifestyle, others are tied to infections or underlying health conditions. Fortunately, with the right knowledge and holistic care, you can take proactive steps to lower your risk.
5 Common Causes and Risk Factors for Liver Cancer
Liver cancer is a complex disease influenced by a variety of factors, both biological and environmental. While some causes are unavoidable, such as genetic predispositions or viral infections, others stem from lifestyle choices that can significantly impact your liver health.
Here are some of the most well-known causes and risk factors for liver cancer:
- Hepatitis B and C infections: Chronic infections from hepatitis B and hepatitis C can lead to inflammation and scarring (cirrhosis) of the liver, significantly increasing the risk of developing liver cancer.
- Alcohol abuse: Excessive alcohol consumption over time damages the liver, leading to cirrhosis, which is a common cause of liver cancer.
- Obesity: Obesity can cause fatty liver disease, increasing the likelihood of liver cancer development as liver-related issues become more prevalent.1
- Type 2 diabetes: Individuals with type 2 diabetes are at higher risk of liver cancer due to related liver complications, such as fatty liver disease, that can progress into cancer if not managed properly.
- Hereditary factors: Is liver cancer hereditary? Genetic predispositions can increase the risk of liver cancer. A family history of liver cancer or inherited conditions can raise the likelihood of developing the disease.
The Impact of Viral Infections on Liver Health
Hepatitis B and C are major culprits when it comes to primary liver cancer, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis C, in particular, is notorious for causing chronic liver inflammation that can eventually lead to cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, hepatitis B also significantly increases liver cancer risk, especially in regions where it is prevalent.2 The progression of the disease often depends on the liver cancer stages.
One of the best ways to prevent liver cancer is through the prevention and treatment of viral infections. Vaccination against hepatitis B is highly effective and widely recommended. While no vaccine exists for hepatitis C, early detection and antiviral treatments can reduce the risk of developing liver cancer.
Individuals with these infections should also undergo regular liver cancer screening to catch any early signs of disease. By staying on top of your liver health, you can reduce your cancer risk significantly.
How Lifestyle Choices Influence Liver Cancer Risk
Lifestyle choices can also play a huge role in your liver health. A poor diet, lack of exercise, and alcohol consumption can weaken your liver over time, increasing your chances of developing liver cancer. But how can you prevent liver cancer through lifestyle changes?
Diets high in processed foods, unhealthy fats, and sugars can contribute to fatty liver disease, which is a known risk factor.3 Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can keep your liver strong and functioning properly.
Additionally, smoking is known to damage the liver, contributing to inflammation and increasing cancer risk. Cirrhosis, a condition caused by chronic alcohol consumption or hepatitis infection, creates the perfect storm for liver cancer to develop. It’s crucial to avoid smoking and drink alcohol in moderation to lower your liver cancer risk.
Incorporating exercise into your daily routine can improve liver function and reduce fatty deposits in the liver. Simple lifestyle changes, like reducing alcohol intake, quitting smoking, and eating healthier, can have a big impact on liver health and reduce your overall risk of liver cancer.
Addressing Liver Cancer Causes with Holistic Care at ITC
At Immunity Therapy Center, we understand the importance of addressing the causes of liver cancer from multiple angles. Our approach is non-invasive, unlike conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and surgery. Instead, we offer holistic cancer treatments that work with your body’s natural healing abilities.
Below are some of the therapies that we offer at ITC to address liver cancer:
Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy uses medical-grade ozone gas to improve the body’s intake of oxygen and boost the immune system. By delivering ozone directly to the body through various methods, this liver cancer treatment can promote healing and detoxification, which is especially beneficial for fighting cancer cells and improving liver health.
Hyperthermia
Hyperthermia treatment involves raising the temperature of specific parts of the body to fight cancer cells. The heat damages the cancer cells while leaving normal cells relatively unharmed. This therapy can be used alongside other treatments to enhance the body’s natural immune response, reduce tumor size, and improve overall cancer treatment outcomes.
IV Nutrient Therapy
This therapy delivers high doses of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream. It helps boost the immune system, fight fatigue, and improve the body’s ability to heal. For patients dealing with liver cancer or other chronic illnesses, IV nutrient therapy can provide critical support for the body’s defenses.
We offer different IV therapies, such as:
4. Insulin Potentiation Therapy (IPT)
IPT uses low-dose chemotherapy combined with insulin to target cancer cells more precisely while minimizing damage to healthy cells. Insulin potentiation therapy aims to reduce the toxic side effects of conventional chemotherapy while effectively fighting cancer.
5. Intratumoral Immunotherapy
Intratumoral immunotherapy boosts the body’s natural immune response by using the patient’s own immune cells, which are processed and reinfused to fight cancer more effectively. This personalized treatment can help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells, making it a vital component of ITC’s holistic treatment plan.
Each of these therapies is designed to work with the body’s natural healing processes, offering a non-invasive, holistic approach to managing cancer and chronic conditions. Immunity Therapy Center’s focus on these treatments provides hope and healing, even for patients with advanced stages of liver cancer.
Explore Your Options
Understanding the common causes and risk factors of liver cancer is crucial in taking the necessary steps to protect your liver health. Whether it’s making lifestyle changes, managing chronic conditions, or seeking alternative treatments, you have the power to take control of your health journey.
At Immunity Therapy Center, we’re committed to providing holistic, noninvasive treatments that address the root causes of liver cancer. We offer hope and healing to those seeking an alternative to conventional therapies. If you’re ready to explore your options, contact us today to learn how we can help you take proactive steps toward a healthier future.
Written By: Dr. Adolfo Carrillo
Dr. Adolfo Carrillo is a Board Certified Medical Doctor from Universidad Autónoma de Baja California.
Dr. Carrillo has been collaborating with Dr. Bautista for over 5 years as a treating physician at the Immunity the Immunity Therapy Center. Dr. Carrillo is a charismatic Doctor whose knowledge and commitment to patient care and bringing healing to patients is a valuable asset to our center.
Sources:
- Elsevier. Obesity and liver cancer. https://www.elsevier.es/en-revista-annals-hepatology-16-articulo-obesity-liver-cancer-S166526811932201X
- American Cancer Society. Liver Cancer Risk Factors. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/liver-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
- National Cancer Institute. Liver Cancer Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention. https://www.cancer.gov/types/liver/what-is-liver-cancer/causes-risk-factors
At Immunity Therapy Center, our goal is to provide objective, updated, and research-based information on all health-related topics. This article is based on scientific research and/or other scientific articles. All information has been fact-checked and reviewed by Dr. Carlos Bautista, a Board Certified Medical Doctor at Immunity Therapy Center. All information published on the site must undergo an extensive review process to ensure accuracy. This article contains trusted sources with all references hyperlinked for the reader's visibility.