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You are Here: Home Page > Cancer facts sheets > About liver cancer  

About liver cancer

What should people know about cancer of the liver and intrahepatic bile duct?

The liver is one of the most important organs of the body. It stores nutrients, produces bile that is needed for digestion, and helps the body process the foods we eat. The liver also breaks down many drugs and chemicals that would be dangerous if they built up in the body.

Because it functions as a filter for the body, many other types of cancer (such as colon cancer and breast cancer) frequently spread to the liver. This is called metastasis. The data on this website show only those cases of cancer that began in the liver or intrahepatic bile duct. Cases of cancer that began in other parts of the body and spread to the liver are not included here.

Each year in New York State, more than 1000 men and 400 women are diagnosed with cancer of the liver. About 690 men and 370 women in New York die from this disease each year.

Who gets liver cancer?

Cancer of the liver is more common in older people. Over half of people newly diagnosed with liver cancer in New York State are age 65 and over. Liver cancer is more common in men than in women. Liver cancer rates are highest among Asians and Pacific Islanders, most likely because of higher prevalence of viral Hepatitis infection. Liver cancer rates are lower among whites than Blacks or Asians and Pacific Islanders.

What causes cancer of the liver?

At this time, we do not know exactly what causes cancer of the liver. There are several different types of liver cancer. The most common type is associated with long-term excessive alcoholic beverage use, scarring of the liver (cirrhosis), and Hepatitis B virus or Hepatitis C virus infection. Long-term use of anabolic steroids can also increase the risk of getting liver cancer. Smoking is also believed to increase the risk of getting liver cancer.

Studies show that workers exposed to vinyl chloride during the manufacturing of some plastics, have an increased risk of getting liver cancer. Eating foods contaminated with aflatoxins caused by improper storage also increases the risk of liver cancer. However, in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) monitors the quality and safety of foods and products that may develop aflatoxins.

What can I do to reduce my chances of getting liver cancer?

You can reduce your chances of getting liver cancer by consuming alcoholic beverages only in moderation. Vaccination to prevent Hepatitis B is an important prevention measure. Although there is no vaccine to prevent Hepatitis C at this time, treatment of the infection may reduce the risk of getting liver cancer among those already infected. Also, if you work in a high risk job, be aware of the health and safety rules and follow them.