50% of liver cancer patients cannot be treated

The late detection caused half of patients with liver cancer to be diagnosed for the first time.

Vietnam is currently the country with the highest rate of liver cancer patients in the world, averaging over 10,000 new cases each year. The disease tends to increase, is the second type of cancer in men and the third in women, the leading death rate for both sexes.

Doctor Nguyen Dinh Song Huy, Head of the Department of Hepatology of Cho Ray Hospital said that from 2010 to 2014, he received 15,371 liver cancer patients. In which more than 80% have hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C. Nearly 7,000 newly diagnosed liver cancer patients, 43% have too many indications for treatment.

According to Dr. Song Huy, ultrasound screening in combination with new biomarkers is very important. In developed countries, diagnosis of liver cancer relies heavily on modern diagnostic imaging facilities. In developing countries like Vietnam, the diagnosis still needs to coordinate imaging diagnosis with AFP and markers of hepatitis virus.

Treatment for liver cancer currently includes surgery, local tumor destruction, chemical vessels and targeted targeted therapy. Liver resection is a thorough treatment for liver cancer cases that can be removed, have good liver function and the remaining liver volume is appropriate. The 5-year survival rate is about 60%. Clogging of the portal vein may increase the remaining liver volume, thereby increasing the ability to cut the liver. Liver transplantation is also a thorough treatment for liver cancer cases, with an additional 5-year survival rate of about 70%.

Limiting the use of alcohol may help prevent liver cancer.(Artwork: mirror).

Liver cancer usually progresses quietly, early symptoms are often vague, so most patients are detected late. Clear manifestations such as fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, dull ache in the lower quadrant, epigastric, ascites, jaundice, yellowing of the eyes . usually when the disease is late. Doctors recommend that people with high risk factors such as hepatitis B, C, cirrhosis, heavy alcohol consumption or family members with liver cancer should regularly screen for screening. Early detection of disease.

Prevention of liver cancer

1. Avoid important risk factors for liver cancer: chronic viral infection of HBV and HCV.These viruses can spread from person to person through unprotected sex, mother to child during childbirth.Can be prevented by not sharing needles and practicing safe sex like using a condom.Do not share toothbrushes and razors with blood from patients.
2. Prevent HBV by getting vaccinated.There is no HCV vaccine.Treatment of chronic hepatitis caused by viruses B and C if infected with these two viruses.Treatment will reduce the amount of virus in the blood and reduce liver damage, thereby reducing the risk of liver cancer.
3. Limit alcohol use.Do not drink or drink only in moderation can help prevent liver cancer.
4. Avoid obesity.Make a reasonable resting diet, healthy lifestyle.
5. Limit exposure to cancer-causing chemicals , health checks every 6 months.