A risk factor is any factor that is associated with increasing someone’s chances of developing a certain condition, such as cancer. Some risk factors are modifiable, such as lifestyle or environmental risk factors. Others cannot be modified, such as inherited factors or whether someone in the family has had cancer.

Having one or more risk factors does not mean that you will develop cancer. Many people have at least one risk factor but will never develop cancer, while others with cancer may have had no known risk factors. Even if a person with cancer has a risk factor, it is usually hard to know how much that risk factor contributed to the development of their disease.

Although the causes of liver cancer are not fully understood, there are a number of factors associated with the risk of developing the disease. 

Liver cancer and cirrhosis

People with liver cancer often have underlying liver disease, called cirrhosis of the liver. This is where healthy liver cells are replaced by scar tissue. Cirrhosis of the liver can be caused by:

•       long-term (chronic) infection with hepatitis B or C

•       drinking too much alcohol

•       non-alcoholic fatty liver disease caused by obesity

•       type 2 diabetes

•       having too much iron in the body (haemochromatosis).

•       Certain autoimmune conditions, e.g. primary biliary cirrhosis

Liver cancer can also develop in people without cirrhosis, and is often associated with:

•       a family history of liver cancer

•       non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

•       being overweight or obese

•       type 2 diabetes

•       hepatitis B infection

•       smoking

•       age

•       gender – in Australia, men are 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with liver cancer than women.

If you are concerned about your risk for liver cancer, please see your doctor.

Hepatitis and liver cancer

Hepatitis B and C are viruses that spread through contact with blood and body fluids.

When viral hepatitis infects the hepatocytes, the immune system attacks the virus and causes the liver to become swollen (inflamed). This infection is usually cleared by the immune system. If infection lasts more than 6 months, the liver inflammation may lead to cirrhosis. Cirrhosis increases the risk of developing primary liver cancer.

If you have hepatitis B, you may have regular tests to make sure you don’t develop liver problems. If you do have any liver damage, you may be given medicines that help manage the infection and prevent further damage.

If you have hepatitis C, you may be given a medicine that can cure the infection in most people.

Even after successful hepatitis treatment, people with cirrhosis need to have regular check-ups with their doctor.

Prevention of liver cancer

The hepatitis B vaccine offers effective protection against infection with the disease.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended as part of routine childhood immunisation. For adults, the vaccine is free on the National Immunisation Program Schedule, although a consultation fee may apply. To receive hepatitis B immunisation, visit your local doctor or immunisation provider.