Minority Women's Health

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Liver Cancer

Minority Women's Health > Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians > Health Topics > Liver Cancer

Asian American/Pacific Islanders have the highest rates of liver cancer in the U.S. Researchers around the world are working to learn more about what causes liver cancer. At this time, no one knows the cause. People with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop liver cancer. A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chance of developing a disease. Studies have shown the following risk factors for liver cancer:

• Chronic liver infection from hepatitis B or hepatitis C viruses. These viruses can be passed from person to person through blood (such as by sharing needles) or sexual contact. An infant may get these viruses from an infected mother. Liver cancer can develop after many years of infection with the virus.
• Cirrhosis, or a disease that develops when liver cells are damaged and replaced with scar tissue. Cirrhosis may be caused by alcohol abuse, certain drugs and other chemicals, and certain viruses or parasites. About 5 percent of people with cirrhosis develop liver cancer.
• Eating aflatoxin, a harmful substance made by certain types of mold. Aflatoxin can form on peanuts, corn, and other nuts and grains. In Asia and Africa, aflatoxin contamination is a common problem.
• Being male. Men are twice as likely as women to get liver cancer.
• Family history. People who have family members with liver cancer may be more likely to get the disease.
• Age. In the U.S., liver cancer occurs more often in people over age 60.

Talk to your doctor if you think you may be at risk for liver cancer.

Publications

1.   Liver (Hepatocellular) Cancer Screening (PDQ) — For Patients — This Web site offers a brief overview of liver cancer. It describes which tests are used for screening and the risks of undergoing the screening process. It also features links to more resources.

   http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/screening/hepatocellular/patient

2. Asian Pacific Islander Cancer Education Materials Tool (Copyright © American Cancer Society) — This catalog of information about cancer provides links to Web sites that offer Asian-Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians education materials on a variety of cancer topics.

   http://www.cancer.org/acmmain

3. For Hepatitis B and Liver Cancer Patients (Copyright © Stanford School of Medicine) — This resource provides information for those with liver cancer. It discusses the screening process, the diagnostic methods, and treatment for the disease.

   http://liver.stanford.edu/Education/cancerpatients.html

4.   KNOW HBV: What Every Asian and Pacific Islander Should Know about Hepatitis B and Liver Cancer (Copyright © Asian Liver Center) — Most people who are infected with hepatitis B don’t know they have it. Hepatitis B is the most common cause of serious liver disease and many Asian-Americans (including Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians) have a life-long case of it. Watching and treating hepatitis B can lower the risk of liver cancer or failure. Get tested and find out the other ways you can help prevent hepatitis B infection.

   http://liver.stanford.edu/Media/publications/Know%20HBV/English.pdf

5. Liver Cancer (Copyright © Mayo Foundation) — This online publication provides an overview of liver cancer. It defines liver cancer and talks about risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment.

   http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/liver-cancer/DS00399

6. Overview: Liver Cancer (Copyright © American Cancer Society) — This online publication provides an overview of liver cancer. It defines liver cancer and talks about risk factors. It also explains why early detection and diagnosis are so important for treatment.

   http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2_1x.asp?dt=25

7.   Strength as a Survivor: Living After Cancer Treatment (Copyright © Lance Armstrong Foundation) — This brochure was written for Asian-American cancer survivors. It discusses the many physical, practical, and emotional concerns of cancer survivors. The brochure encourages survivors to seek support and lists organizations that can help them manage their concerns.

   http://www.livestrong.org/atf/cf/%7BFB6FFD43-0E4C-4414-8B37-0D001EFBDC49%7D/brochure_asa.pdf...

Organizations

1.   Cancer Information Service, NCI, NIH, HHS
2.   Office of Minority Health, OPHS, OS, HHS
3. American Cancer Society
4. American Liver Foundation
5. Asian American Network for Cancer Awareness, Research, and Training
6. Asian Liver Center at Stanford University
7. Intercultural Cancer Council
8. National Asian Women's Health Organization

= Indicates Federal Resources

Resources reviewed March 2008.