Over a dozen people in Britain will be told that they have liver cancer today - but the symptoms of the disease can be hard to spot, as many of the warning signs can often be mistaken for more minor health issues.
Around 6,200 people are diagnosed with cancer in their liver each year in the UK - that's 17 new cases every day, according to leading charity Cancer Research UK. While anyone can get liver cancer, it is most common in older people, with the majority of those who are diagnosed over the age of 60, and it is also more common in men than in women.
Primary liver cancer is cancer that starts in the liver, while secondary liver cancer is cancer that has spread to the liver from somewhere else in your body. How serious liver cancer is depends on where it is in the liver, how big it is, if it has spread, if it's primary or secondary, and your general health.
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According to the NHS, symptoms of liver cancer can include:
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellow (jaundice) - if you have this symptom you may also have itchy skin, darker pee and paler poo than usual
- Loss of appetite or losing weight without trying to
- Feeling tired or having no energy
- Feeling generally unwell or having symptoms like flu
- A lump in the right side of your tummy
- Feeling or being sick
- Pain at the top right side of your tummy or in your right shoulder
- Symptoms of indigestion, such as feeling full very quickly when eating
- A very swollen tummy that is not related to when you eat
These symptoms are very common, and can be caused by many different conditions - so having them doesn't mean that you definitely have cancer. However, it's still important to get checked out by a GP if you are experiencing any of these signs, because if cancer is causing your symptoms then finding the disease early makes it more treatable.
Cancer Research UK advises: "Even if you're worried about what the symptom might be, don't delay seeing them. Your worry is unlikely to go away if you don't make an appointment. The symptom might not be due to cancer.
"But if it is, the earlier it's picked up the higher the chance of successful treatment. You won't be wasting your doctor's time. Try not to be embarrassed. What you tell your GP is confidential. Doctors are used to discussing intimate problems and will try to put you at ease."
The NHS advises seeking advice from 111 immediately if your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow, you are being sick for more than two days, or you have symptoms that you are particularly worried about but are unsure of where to seek help. A 111 operator can offer you advice, and arrange a phone call with a nurse or doctor if you need one.
If you visit your GP because you're worried about your symptoms, Cancer Research UK has this helpful checklist of advice to follow in order to make the most out of your appointment:
- Write down your symptoms including when they started, when they happen and how often you have them
- Write down anything that makes them worse or better
- Tell your GP if you are worried about cancer
- Tell them if you have any family history of cancer
- Take a friend or relative along for support - they could also ask questions and take notes to help you remember what the GP says
- Ask the GP to explain anything you don’t understand
- Ask the GP to write things down for you if you think it might help
During your appointment, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how long you have been experiencing them, as well as your general health. They may carry out a general examination, which can include feeling any areas that are swollen or painful and listening to your chest.
Your GP may refer you to hospital to see a specialist for further tests if they think your symptoms need further investigation. You can get more information on what to expect from the appointment and questions you should ask your doctor on the Cancer Research UK website.
Primary liver cancer can't always be prevented, but the NHS advises that making certain lifestyle changes, such as losing weight if you're overweight, quitting smoking, and cutting down on alcohol, can help to lower your risk of getting it. You can read more about how liver cancer is treated on the NHS website.
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