News & Information

Liver cancer – and all the other types of cancer in the world – are caused by damaged cell DNA. (When the DNA is damaged, cells become cancerous, dividing and reproducing uncontrollably.) What triggers this abnormal cell growth, though? Sometimes it’s heredity, sometimes it’s environment and sometimes it’s lifestyle choices. Often, people contract cancer for no apparent reason. Every cancer involves different risk factors, but some of the most common factors associated with liver cancer are listed below.

If you have any of these characteristics, you might eventually be diagnosed with liver cancer yourself. Taking financial precautions is a wise plan, and you should prepare yourself for the possibility of a liver cancer diagnosis by comparing the cancer insurance policies offered on CancerPlans.com. Supplemental insurance provides a lump sum benefit upon first diagnosis of liver cancer.

Could you get liver cancer? It’s possible, especially if you:

Are a male.

Are of Asian descent. Pacific Islanders also have a higher risk for this disease.

Have chronic viral hepatitis. This condition, usually transmitted by unsafe sex, shared needles and blood transfusion, is the most common risk factor for liver cancer worldwide.

Drink alcohol. Heavy alcohol use is linked with cirrhosis (liver disease), often a first step toward cancer of the liver.

Suffer from obesity or diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can cause obesity, which in turn leads to fatty liver disease or cirrhosis -- both of which contribute to liver cancer.

Have taken anabolic steroids. These are the muscle-building steroids used (often illegally) by professional athletes. Yet another reason not to take steroids!

(1) http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/LiverCancer/DetailedGuide/liver-cancer-what-causes

(2) http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/LiverCancer/DetailedGuide/liver-cancer-risk-factors