A health expert has highlighted warning signs of liver cancer, noting that one symptom is most noticeable during meal times. Around 5,800 people die from the disease each year in the UK, with most patients diagnosed too late for effective treatment, according to the NHS.
Dr Joseph Ambani, a medical doctor at GlowBar, explained that the first sign of liver cancer may be abdominal discomfort or nausea around meal times. Patients often lose their appetite or cannot eat as much as before due to these symptoms. Even small amounts of food can cause pain and discomfort in the stomach area.
Primary liver cancer originates in the liver, while secondary liver cancer spreads from elsewhere in the body. Early detection offers treatment options such as surgical resection or liver transplant. However, the American Cancer Society notes that symptoms often remain hidden until advanced stages.
Other early symptoms include abdominal discomfort, nausea, and loss of appetite. Lisa Jacques, a Cancer Nurse at Perci Health, stressed that these symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions, but urged people to speak to their GP if concerned. The NHS recommends getting any liver cancer symptoms checked as soon as possible.
Exact causes of liver cancer are unknown, but most cases are linked to cirrhosis, which can result from long-term excessive alcohol consumption, chronic hepatitis B or C infections, obesity, and poor diet. Health experts advise reducing alcohol intake, maintaining a balanced diet, and exercising regularly to lower risk.
