In a major development, scientists claimed that three out of five liver cancer cases are preventable with lifestyle changes and hepatitis vaccinations. As the number of obesity-related cases rises sharply, particularly in the United States, Europe, and Asia, the report urges global action that includes hepatitis vaccination, alcohol regulation, and liver damage screening in high-risk populations.
Three Out Of Cancer Cases 'Preventable’
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The report from Lancet Commission claimed that managing obesity, reducing: alcohol consumption, fatty liver disease and levels of viral hepatitis B and C were the key deterrents helping in preventing liver cancer among the global population. The commission made a number of recommendations to policymakers that, according to its estimates, could prevent 90 lakh to 170 lakh new cases of liver cancer and save 80 lakh to 150 lakh lives by lowering the incidence of liver cancer cases by 2% to 5% annually by 2050.
The study's lead researcher, Professor Jian Zhou of Fudan University in China, stated: "Liver cancer is a growing health issue around the world." Five-year survival rates range from about 5% to 30%, making it one of the most difficult cancers to treat. Without immediate action to halt this trend, we run the risk of witnessing nearly a doubling of liver cancer cases and fatalities over the course of the next 25 years.
Symptoms Of Liver Cancer
According to a study, liver cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths globally and the sixth most common type of cancer overall. It is anticipated that the death toll will increase from 760,000 in 2022 to more than 13 lakh in 2050.
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In the early stages of primary liver cancer, the majority of people do not exhibit any symptoms. When symptoms and indicators do show up, they could include:
- Weight loss without attempting
- Appetite loss
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- Vomiting and feeling queasy
- Overall weakness and exhaustion
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Jaundice is the yellow discolouration of your skin and eye whites.
- Chalky, white stools
Conclusion
The committee implored governments and policy makers in general to adapt to the recommendations and especially emphasized on the need for effective and robust vaccination around the world and particularly in backward communities.