October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month
Q How common is liver cancer?
A Around 6,200 people are diagnosed with cancer that starts in the liver each year in the UK. That’s 17 new cases every day. It is more common in men than in women. The risk of developing liver cancer gets higher as we get older.
Symptoms of liver cancer:
Cancer that starts in the liver (primary liver cancer) doesn’t usually cause symptoms in the early stages.
When you do have symptoms, they can include:
• weight loss
• yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
• itching
• feeling sick
• swollen tummy (abdomen)
• loss of appetite or feeling full after eating small amounts
• pain in your abdomen
• a lump in the right side of your abdomen
• pain in your right shoulder
If you already have a liver condition such as cirrhosis, tell your doctor if you have any new or worsening symptoms.
Remember these symptoms can be caused by other conditions, but it is important to get them checked out with your GP.
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