What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Liver Cancer?
The exact cause of liver cancer is not known. Scientists have found that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop liver cancer. Common risk factors include: Gender: Men are twice as likely as women to get liver cancer. Obesity: Obesity increases the risk of developing liver cancer. Family history: People who have family members with liver cancer may be more likely to get the disease. Viral infection: The most important risk factor for liver cancer is a chronic infection (on-going) with the hepatitis B or the hepatitis C virus. These viruses can be passed from person to person through blood (such as sharing needles) or sexual contact. An infant may catch these viruses from an infected mother. Liver cancer can develop after many years of infection with the viruses. Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is a disease that develops when liver cells are damaged and replaced with scar tissue. It may be caused by alcohol abuse, certain drugs or chemicals and certain viruses or pa
