Liver Cancer/Carcinoma Cause - There are a lot of factor that can cause liver cancer. The risk factors will likely make a person develop hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The factors are:

• Gender: Men usually have higher chances to get liver cancer than women. This could be because of the behaviors such as smoking and alcohol abuse.


• Race/ethnicity: The highest rates of liver cancer problems are in United States, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders followed by American Indians/Alaska Natives and Hispanics/Latinos, African Americans, and whites.


• Certain types of liver disease: Liver cancer usually exists by the infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV). These infections will lead to cirrhosis and it is common in many parts of the world. In the US, hepatitis C is the most common cause of liver cancer, while in other countries, hepatitis B is more common. These viruses are spread from person to person through unprotected sex, childbirth or sharing dirty needles (such as in drug use). Blood transfusions also will spread these viruses. People with hepatitis A infection do not have an increased risk of liver cancer/carcinoma. There are also some inherited liver diseases that increase the risk of liver cancer/carcinoma.


• Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is a disease where liver cells are damaged and replaced with scar tissue. This disease also will lead to cancer. Alcohol abuse is the major causes of liver cancer in the United States together with hepatitis B or hepatitis C and at the same time, people who do not drink alcohol with fatty liver also have chances to develop cirrhosis. Too much iron in the liver (called hemachromatosis) is not good too. It can cause cirrhosis.


• Diabetes: Usually people with diabetes who also have other risk factors such as heavy drinking and/or hepatitis can increase the risk of liver cancer.


• Obesity: Being very overweight (obese) might increase the risk of getting liver cancer too.


• Aflatoxins: Peanuts, wheat, soybeans, groundnuts, corn, and rice which was infected by fungus can be categorized as cancer-causing substances. The longer they being expose to aflatoxins, the higher risk of liver cancer they give.


• Vinyl chloride and thorium dioxide (Thorotrast): Some types of liver cancer affected by these chemicals. Since these chemicals are strictly controlled, they have become less important.


• Anabolic steroids: Some athletes using these male hormones to increase their strength. Long-term use can slightly increase the risk of liver cancer.


• Arsenic: Usually waters from wells may contain arsenic. This increases the risk of liver cancer.


• Having a Family History of Liver Cancer: People who have family members with liver cancer may be more likely to get liver cancer themselves.


• Age: In the United States, liver cancer occurs more often in people over age 60 than in younger people.