Liver

Liver Primary liver cancer is also known as hepatocellular cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma or hepatoma. The liver is a common location for secondary cancers that have spread from other organs.

Incidence

Nationwide there were 1608 new cases in 2012 of primary liver cancer.

Risk of diagnosisbefore age 75

Men Men: 1 in 134 Woman Women: 1 in 423

Causes/Risk Factors

The causes of primary liver cancer are not fully understood.
In some instances, liver cancer maybe associated with damage to the liver due to:

  • Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver tissue from alcohol consumption).
  • Hepatitis infections, especially chronic infection with hepatitis B or C.
  • Family history of liver cancer.
  • Smoking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

If the information on this website raises any questions or concerns relating to your cancer, please call Cancer Council on 13 11 20. Specialist cancer nurses staff the line Monday to Friday 9.00am-5.00pm.