The 6 easily missed signs of the UK’s fastest rising cancer killer – as doctors warn ‘drinking is strongest risk factor’

SNUBBING Dry January and continuing to drink like it’s Christmas may seem like a great way to get through the dreary first month of the year.

But long-term boozing can seriously damage the liver – and we’re not just talking liver disease.

Drinking a large amount of alcohol over an extended period can damage the function of the liver, leading to conditions such as cirrhosis – where the liver is permanently damaged and scarred.

This is a major risk factor for liver cancer.

The condition has become the UK’s fastest rising cause of cancer death, with boozing among a number of factors behind higher cases.

This week, Cancer Research UK revealed rates have doubled in the past 20 years.

Anything in excess of the recommended alcohol guidelines can increase your risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.

The UK Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) recommend adults drink no more than 14 units of alcohol per week (around 1.5 bottles of wine or seven pints of beer).

But many health experts now deem any amount of alcohol unsafe.

Dr Subramaniam Ramakrishnan, consultant gastroenterologist at Nuffield Health Chester Hospital, said drinking 12g of alcohol per day increases the risk of liver cancer by 1.1 times.

“Consistent consumption of more than three drinks per day increases overall risk of liver cancer,” he added.

Unfortunately, signs of liver cancer don’t always appear, or do so when the disease has advanced.

By that point, treatment is significantly more complicated and your chances of survival are reduced.

Dr Safa Al Shamma, consultant gastroenterologist at Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital, shared some of the first symptoms to look out for.

“Swelling of the tummy/abdomen (due to fluid build-up called ascites) or leg swelling could indicate the liver is struggling to work, which can happen with advanced cancer (or even before the cancer is advanced),” he said.

“Yellowing of the eyes (called jaundice) can be another common sign.

“Change in the colour of the urine to darker or pale stools may sometimes occur too.”

The other main symptoms may include upper abdominal pain or discomfort, fullness after meals, loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss, as well as tiredness and fatigue, said Dr Shamma.

But he also warned there are some that can be easily missed.

Knowing the risks and being proactive about spotting them could be life changing

Dr Martin Thornton

“As the discomfort, loss of appetite or weight loss are gradual, they may be ignored at first,” he said.

“Likewise, swelling of the abdomen due to the ascites or leg swelling may be dismissed at first before seeking medical advice.”

Dr Ramakrishnan added: “As many people with liver disease have common symptoms such as fatigue, fluid accumulation or mild jaundice, development of cancer in the liver can be easily missed if changes are not actively sought.”

Can other conditions cause these symptoms?

Lots of digestive issues can mimic liver cancer symptoms.

Less serious liver infections can look strikingly similar and need dealing with quickly, said Dr Martin Thornton, Bluecrest‘s chief medical officer.

“Additionally, gallstones or pancreas gland issues can cause similar problems,” he added.

“It’s always wise to discuss any of these new symptoms with your GP as soon as possible.”

When should you see a GP?

It’s important to know what’s normal for your body and to seek help as soon as possible if you spot any of the symptoms mentioned above.

“As with all cancers, early diagnosis is such an important part of a positive treatment outcome,” said Dr Thornton.

“Knowing the risks and being proactive about spotting them could be life changing.”