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.   What You Need To Know About™ Liver Cancer - This booklet about liver cancer discusses symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, emotional issues, and questions to ask the doctor. It also includes a glossary of terms and other resources.

   http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/wyntk/liver

2. Asian Pacific Islander Cancer Education Materials Tool (Copyright © ACS) - This catalog of information about cancer provides links to web sites that can provide Asian or Pacific Islander education materials on a variety of cancer topics.

   http://www.cancer.org/acmmain

3. High Chronic Hepatitis B Rates Put Asians at Risk of Liver Cancer (Copyright © ACS) - This fact sheet discusses the high Hepatitis B rates among Asians.

   http://www.cancer.org/docroot/NWS/content/NWS_1_1x_High_Chronic_Hepatitis_B_Rates_Put_Asians_at_Risk_of_Liv...

4. Liver Cancer (Copyright © MFMER) - This on-line publication provides information about liver cancer. It includes the signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, screening and diagnosis, complications, treatment, prevention, self-care, and coping skills.

   http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=DS00399

5. Overview: Liver Cancer (Copyright © ACS) - This on-line publication contains an overview of liver cancer. It describes the risk factors, early detection, diagnosis, staging, and treatment.

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

6.   Strength as a Survivor: Living After Cancer Treatment (Copyright © Lance Armstrong Foundation) - This is a brochure written specifically for Asian American cancer survivors. It raises awareness of the physical, practical and emotional concerns of cancer survivors, lists resources and encourages survivors to seek support.

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

7. What Every Asian and Pacific Islander Should Know about Hepatitis B and Liver Cancer (Copyright © Asian Liver Center) - This publication contains information for Asians and Pacific Islanders about the importance of getting tested and vaccinated for hepatitis B.

   http://liver.stanford.edu/

Organizations

1.   Cancer Information Service, NCI, NIH, HHS
2.   Office of Minority Health Resource Center (OMHRC), OMH, 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

Current as of December 2007