The liver is a vital organ as it plays a key role in the body’s digestive system. It produces proteins and stores sugar, vitamins, and minerals. It also breaks down nutrients from food to produce energy.
Furthermore, the liver has the significant role of producing bile, a fluid which helps break down fat from food as well as absorbs vitamins. More importantly, it removes toxins in blood by getting rid of the harmful chemicals produced by the body.
As big as its function, however, a big danger looms when the liver itself suffers from the growth and spread of unhealthy cells within, causing liver cancer which is considered as one of the top killer cancers in the Philippines.
Medical authorities attribute this expansive presence of liver cancer in the country to several complications and habits: hepatitis B/hepatitis C infection, heavy alcohol consumption, and prolonged heavy intake of aflatoxin and other chemical carcinogens.
The most common risk factor responsible for most cases of liver cancer in the Philippines is chronic hepatitis B, a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). After the virus initiates acute Hepatitis B, chronic Hepatitis B likely occurs if the HBV remains for more than 6 months in the blood.
According to the Hepatological Society of the Philippines (HSP), hepatitis B is a major public health burden in the Philippines, with 1 out of 7 adult Filipinos having the complication. Adults 20 to 49 years of age, who make up a large part of the work force, are more likely to get the infection.
Hepatitis B can be acquired by direct contact with infected blood and body fluid, such as in contaminated needles and unprotected sex with an infected partner. But the more common cause is from childbirth, where an infected mother transmits the virus to her newborn. This is why all infants are recommended to get a hepatitis B vaccination.
Heavy alcohol intake, meanwhile, increases the risk of liver cancer, since alcohol is directly toxic to liver cells. A bulk amount of alcohol damages the liver through inflammation and scarring, more known as cirrhosis.
Aflatoxin is another risk factor for liver cancer among Filipinos. This toxic chemical is produced by certain species of molds that grow in contaminated food products such as corn, peanuts, and rice. Prevailing high temperature and relative humidity, coupled with improper handling of food, contribute to the production of aflatoxin above the acceptable level.
According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2018, liver cancer is the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. In the Philippines, however, liver cancer is more widespread.
According to HSP, liver cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death. Moreover, the Philippine Cancer Society’s (PCS) most recent estimates back in 2015 indicate that liver cancer ranked 2nd among males and 6th among females.
The data from the PCS also noted that incidence rates in liver cancer start to rise at 35 years old among males, and 50 among females. In 2012, the estimated national incidents were 11.8 per 100,000 in both sexes, 17.1 among males, and 6.5 among females. Moreover, 2 out of 100 men and 1 out of 100 women “would have had a likelihood of getting liver cancer before age 75.”
In terms of mortality rates, estimated national standardized rates were 11.8 per 100,000 in both sexes, 17.4 among males, and 6.3 among females. It was revealed as well that 2 out of 100 men, and 1 out of 100 women would have died from liver cancer before reaching 75 years old.
The 5-year relative survival rate amounts to 8.5% in Metro Manila.
Liver cancer often shows up with no symptoms in its early stages. Upon diagnosis, it has generally reached an advanced stage. Worse, there is still no efficient early detection method for the cancer. Because of this, liver cancer has been regarded as a “silent epidemic”, given its prevalence in the country.
Warning signs may be noticed as liver cancer develops: abdominal pain, weight loss, weakness, and loss of appetite, and presence of HBV or cirrhosis.
The Department of Health suggests that the surgery can be curative for the patient with small liver cancer. However, for the majority of the cases, especially those diagnosed at an incurable stage, “judicious and cost-effective palliative care can provide an acceptable quality of life.”
Essential nutritional support helps in promoting as well as restoring the health of the liver. Essentiale Forte P® is a trusted brand which aids in the management of damaged liver due to chronic liver disease, liver cirrhosis, fatty liver, and intoxication by hepatoxic substances. It is the No.1 Doctor-Recommended Liver Remedy brand in the Philippines and in the world.
