Dr. Susanne Warner, a liver and pancreas surgeon at Mayo Clinic, is urging public awareness of the silent warning signs of liver cancer.
Early detection is critical because liver cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. [4]. Many patients remain asymptomatic until the disease has progressed, making preventative screenings and risk management essential for survival.
In a recent appearance on the Health Matters podcast, Warner said metabolic liver disease, alcohol use, and viral hepatitis drive the majority of cases. These factors contribute to a significant public health burden, with more than 41,000 new liver cancer diagnoses expected in the United States this year [1].
Medical data indicates that 1.8% of U.S. adults are affected by liver disease [2]. While the statistics are stark, Warner said a majority of liver cancer cases are due to preventable risk factors [5]. Globally, approximately 60% of liver cancer cases are considered preventable through medical interventions, and lifestyle changes [3].
Warner said the focus must remain on identifying high-risk individuals before symptoms appear. Because the liver can often function despite significant damage, the absence of pain or jaundice does not guarantee health. She said the importance of managing metabolic health to reduce the likelihood of developing chronic liver inflammation.
Preventative measures include vaccinations for certain types of hepatitis, limiting alcohol consumption, and managing weight to avoid metabolic dysfunction. These steps can interrupt the progression from chronic liver disease to malignancy.
“Liver cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.”
The emphasis on preventability suggests a shift in oncology toward aggressive primary prevention and metabolic screening. By targeting the 60% of cases that are avoidable, health systems can potentially reduce the mortality rate of a disease that often remains undetected until its advanced stages.
