"Two Less, Three Not": How to Prevent Liver Cancer and Extend Healthy Life

"Two Less, Three Not": How to Prevent Liver Cancer and Extend Healthy Life"At this age, you're one misstep away from a serious illness," Mr. Chen often says these days

"Two Less, Three Not": How to Prevent Liver Cancer and Extend Healthy Life

"At this age, you're one misstep away from a serious illness," Mr. Chen often says these days. The 73-year-old has been experiencing warning signs from his body, including poor appetite and significant weight loss. What worries Mr. Chen most is that he heard from people in his community that liver cancer mortality rates are rising. Even though it was just casual conversation, the news deeply affected him. He decided to go to the hospital for a comprehensive checkup, hoping to avoid becoming a statistic.

At the hospital, Mr. Chen met Dr. Zhou, an experienced liver specialist. After reviewing Mr. Chen's basic test results, Dr. Zhou decided to perform a further liver ultrasound and blood test to make sure no potential issues were overlooked.

During the exam, Dr. Zhou told Mr. Chen, "Liver cancer is indeed a concerning issue, especially in our country. The large number of chronic liver disease patients naturally leads to a high incidence of liver cancer. However, if you can do less or avoid some things, you can significantly lower the risk of developing it."

Dr. Zhou added, "For liver cancer patients, or to prevent liver cancer, there are two things you should do less of: one is to drink less alcohol, and the other is to eat less greasy and high-calorie foods. At the same time, there are three things you should not do: don't smoke, don't use painkillers indiscriminately, and don't ignore abnormal signals from your body."

Mr. Chen nodded in agreement, realizing that his usual lifestyle habits needed a significant overhaul. Dr. Zhou continued to explain, "Greasy food increases the metabolic burden on the liver, which can lead to liver disease over time. Some painkillers, especially those containing acetaminophen, can directly damage liver cells if used in excess."

Mr. Chen then realized that even though he was retired, he couldn't retire from managing his health. He decided to start changing his lifestyle today, aiming to achieve "two less, three not" and return to the hospital for regular checkups. He hopes to avoid the threat of liver cancer. This trip to the hospital, while stressful, gave Mr. Chen a sense of direction. He knew that only by proactively preventing the disease could he enjoy his later years without being burdened by illness.

Understanding High-Risk Factors for Liver Cancer: Prevention from the Source

When discussing the causes and influencing factors of liver cancer, we must acknowledge that its development is a complex process involving multiple factors and stages. Understanding these factors and avoiding certain behaviors is crucial for preventing liver cancer.

Several major risk factors contribute to liver cancer. The most common are chronic viral hepatitis, such as hepatitis B and C, and long-term alcohol consumption leading to alcoholic liver disease. Other factors include non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and exposure to certain toxins and chemicals, such as aflatoxin and dioxin.

Reducing alcohol consumption is one of the key measures for preventing liver cancer. As obesity and diabetes rates rise, the incidence of NAFLD is also increasing. In people with NAFLD, fat accumulates in the liver, and over time, it can develop into non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, leading to liver fibrosis and liver cancer.

In addition to these internal factors, external environmental factors like exposure to aflatoxin are also important risk factors for liver cancer. Therefore, ensuring fresh food and good storage conditions is crucial. Don't give these harmful substances a chance to take hold.

"Two Less, Three Not": Action Guide, Safeguarding Health

In terms of specific behavioral guidance, Dr. Zhou's recommendations of "two less, three not" include reducing alcohol and high-fat food intake and avoiding smoking, using painkillers indiscriminately, and ignoring abnormal signals from the body. These guidelines are based on a deep understanding of the causes of liver cancer.

Painkillers, particularly those containing acetaminophen, can have a direct toxic effect on the liver when used excessively, damaging liver cells and increasing the risk of liver cancer.

Furthermore, it's vital not to ignore abnormal signals from your body. The liver is an organ that doesn't express pain well. When symptoms like unusual fatigue, weight loss, and jaundice appear, it might already be a late stage of liver disease.

The core of this preventive strategy lies in early prevention, early detection, and early treatment. Through comprehensive lifestyle adjustments and appropriate medical intervention, we can effectively maintain the health of our liver.

Preventing Liver Cancer: Starting with these Details

Beyond avoiding obvious risk factors like viral infections, alcohol consumption, and unhealthy habits, there are additional, less obvious strategies that can further lower the risk of liver cancer and contribute to overall well-being.

• Maintain Liver Health, Starting with Diet

The liver is the body's primary detoxification organ, constantly facing oxidative stress and inflammatory challenges. Consume fruits and vegetables, and avoid high-fat, high-sugar, and processed foods.

Vegetables and fruits rich in antioxidants, such as broccoli, cabbage, carrots, and citrus fruits, are abundant in vitamins C and E, as well as selenium and beta-carotene. These components can help reduce oxidative stress on the liver, decrease chronic inflammation, and thereby lower the risk of liver cancer.

Regularly consuming deep-sea fish like salmon, mackerel, and trout can help reduce liver inflammation and fibrosis, which is particularly important for preventing cirrhosis and liver cancer.

• Control Weight, Avoid Fatty Liver

Excessive weight gain, especially abdominal obesity, can lead to insulin resistance, increasing the burden on the liver and promoting chronic inflammation. Obesity is associated with NAFLD, which can progress to liver cancer.

Aerobic exercise and strength training can improve the body's sensitivity to insulin, reduce liver fat accumulation, and consequently lower the risk of liver cancer.

• Regular Checkups, Early Detection, and Treatment

Furthermore, early screening and treatment should be sought for hepatitis C. Undergo regular medical checkups. Especially for those with a family history of liver disease, early detection and treatment of liver problems are crucial. Additionally, avoid using medication indiscriminately. Consult a doctor before taking any medications.

• Maintain Gut Health, Reduce Liver Burden

Another often overlooked preventive strategy is maintaining gut health. Consuming foods rich in prebiotics, such as whole grains, onions, and garlic, and regularly consuming probiotics like yogurt, can help maintain gut microbiota balance, reducing the number of harmful substances that can potentially affect the liver through the portal venous system.

• Stay Away from Toxins, Protect Liver Function

Additionally, reduce exposure to industrial chemicals and carcinogens like aflatoxin. Ensure proper food storage to prevent spoilage. These harmful substances can accumulate through the food chain, ultimately affecting liver function and increasing the risk of cancer. Choosing organic foods and reducing exposure to these toxins directly benefits liver health.

Long-Term Commitment, Enjoy Healthy Living

These strategies, while simple, require persistent effort and lifestyle adjustments. However, they will ultimately lead to long-lasting health benefits. (All names mentioned above are pseudonyms.)

What are your thoughts on liver cancer? Let's discuss it in the comments section!