Q&A with Anthony Chan Tak-cheung, chairman of the Department of Clinical Oncology, Chinese University of Hong Kong
What are some of the common causes of liver cancer? The three main causes of liver cancer are hepatitis B, which accounts for at least 70 per cent of liver cancer cases, hepatitis C and alcoholic sclerosis. While hepatitis C and alcoholic sclerosis are predominantly seen in western countries, hepatitis B is much more prevalent in the Asian and African regions, with 10 per cent of the population still serving as carriers. However, due to the hepatitis B vaccinations that started in the late '80s, these numbers are expected to decrease in the coming years.
How does alcohol affect our risk of liver cancer? While alcohol cannot be said to directly cause liver cancer, high alcohol consumption may certainly expose our livers to damage, which in turn leaves us vulnerable to cancer. Cells in our body are controlled by our genes, and when this genetic control is deregulated by either hepatitis or excessive alcohol consumption, these cells are then said to be 'out of control', and our bodies are subsequently predisposed to a higher risk of contracting liver cancer.
What is a safe level of alcohol consumption? While there is no absolute standard, it is generally agreed that one drink a day is considered a safe amount of alcohol consumption. This obviously varies between individuals of different age and gender, so personal judgment must be exercised.
Are there other dietary factors that affect our risk of liver cancer? In terms of conclusive effects, nothing can be shown to be in the same league as alcohol.
Is liver cancer more common in men or women? Why is that the case? Research has shown that men are three times more likely to contract liver cancer. Men are generally more susceptible to cancer, while women seem to have more protection, a phenomenon due in part to their genetic makeup.