A spike in liver cancer cases has been recorded in Cyprus over the past year, raising alarm among health officials and prompting a call for increased medical vigilance. The Association of Liver Patients Promitheas announced this concerning trend on Monday, emphasising the importance of regular health checks.
According to the association, liver cancer ranks as the fifth most common cancer globally and is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. This highlights the severity of the situation and the need for public awareness.
Liver cancer: Who is Affected?
The demographic most affected by this rise in liver cancer cases includes individuals over the age of 60. However, younger individuals are also at risk, particularly those with hereditary predispositions or those who consume excessive amounts of alcohol. Unfortunately, liver cancer is often diagnosed at advanced stages, limiting the effectiveness of available treatment options.
Preventable Risk Factors
In their statement, the association pointed out that many liver cancer cases could be prevented by reducing exposure to known risk factors. These include high alcohol and tobacco consumption, maintaining a healthy body weight, avoiding contact with carcinogenic chemicals, and ensuring vaccinations against hepatitis infections.
The Call for Regular Checks
Given the alarming statistics, the Association of Liver Patients Promitheas is urging the public to take proactive steps in understanding liver diseases and to carry out preventive health checks. They emphasised that awareness and early detection are crucial in combating this disease.
