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Avoiding Hepatitis Infections
Public health measures that reduce exposure to risk factors
can help prevent most liver cancer. Worldwide, the biggest risk factor
is infection with the hepatitis B or C virus. There is a vaccine to
prevent hepatitis B. All children (as well as adults at high risk)
should get this vaccine.
There is no vaccine for hepatitis C. So, preventing hepatitis
C (and hepatitis B in people who have not had the vaccine) is based on
knowing how it spreads. The virus is spread through blood transfusions,
from dirty needles (as in drug use), by having unprotected sex, and
through childbirth.
There are a number of drugs used to treat people who have
hepatitis C or B. How well they work is still being studied. Whether
these drugs help prevent liver cancer is still under study. If you have
hepatitis B or C you should talk to your doctor about these drugs.
Limiting Alcohol Use and not
Using Tobacco
In the United States, alcohol abuse is a major cause of the
cirrhosis that can lead to liver cancer. But preventing liver cancer
caused by alcohol abuse remains a challenge. Quitting smoking may also
slightly lower the risk of liver cancer, as well as the risk for many
other serious diseases.
Food Safety
Changing the way certain grains are stored in warm countries could
reduce exposure to cancer-causing substances. Many modern countries
have rules to keep grains safe. They also have laws to protect people
from cancer-causing chemicals. Because of these measures, there is very
little liver cancer caused by chemicals.
Revised: 05/14/2007
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