Cases of liver cancer are on the rise in the UK. 5,800 people die a year from the deadly disease - that's 16 people every day, ranking it as the eighth deadliest cancer in the country.
Primary liver cancer starts in the organ itself, while secondary cancer spreads from other parts of the body, the Mirror reported.
Early detection allows for treatment, such as surgery or transplant, which can eradicate the disease. But the UK's National Health Service (NHS) points out that most cases are caught too late.
The American Cancer Society confirms that early detection of the disease is challenging as symptoms often go unnoticed until the disease has progressed. However, Joseph Ambani, a physician at GlowBar, has pointed to "early" warning signs that appear during meals and "early on" in the disease.
"Typically, people with liver cancer lose their appetite for food or can't eat as much as they used to because of abdominal discomfort or nausea. In addition, those affected by the disease may find that even small amounts of food cause pain and discomfort in the stomach area," Ambani said.
Changes in your appetite can be a red flag for a serious health problem, including liver cancer, which often goes under the radar because of its subtle symptoms. It's crucial to recognize these signs early, and there are key indicators to be aware of.
The list of early symptoms described by Ambani includes abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, jaundice, a swollen abdomen from fluid accumulation, shortness of breath, fatigue and nausea or vomiting. Ambani stresses the importance of being vigilant: "To recognize potential liver cancer, pay attention to your body's warning signs." | BGNES
