Analysis of the causes of the high incidence of liver cancer.
Liver cancer, as a common malignant tumor, has been increasing in incidence and mortality worldwide in recent years. China is regarded as a high-incidence area of liver cancer, and the incidence rate ranks fourth in the country. So, what exactly causes the high incidence of liver cancer?
First of all, viral hepatitis is a major cause of liver cancer. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is closely related to the incidence of liver cancer, and the positive rate of HBsAg in liver cancer patients exceeds 90%. In addition, viral hepatitis C (HCV) may also be associated with the development of liver cancer. Patients with chronic viral hepatitis have long-term liver damage and gradually develop cirrhosis, which in turn increases the risk of liver cancer.
Secondly, liver cirrhosis is an important cause of liver cancer. Worldwide, the incidence of liver cancer complicated with cirrhosis is about 50% to 90%. Most liver cancers in China are related to post-viral hepatitis cirrhosis.
Aflatoxin contamination is also one of the reasons for the high incidence of liver cancer. Epidemiological investigations have found that the incidence of liver cancer is higher in areas heavily contaminated with aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is a strong carcinogen that can lead to liver lesions when ingested over a long period of time.
Drinking water contamination should also not be ignored. Qidong, Jiangsu Province has a high incidence of liver cancer, and the incidence of liver cancer is higher in people who drink pond water than those who drink well water. This may be related to the algal toxins produced by blue-green algae growing in ponds.
Genetic factors also play a role in the pathogenesis of liver cancer. Studies have shown that the incidence of liver cancer varies among different ethnic groups, and there is also a significant familial clustering in the same ethnic population.
In summary, the high incidence of liver cancer involves a variety of factors, including viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, aflatoxin contamination, drinking water contamination, and genetic factors. In order to reduce the risk of liver cancer, measures such as preventing viral hepatitis, improving the living environment, strengthening food safety supervision, and focusing on the control of genetic factors are crucial. At the same time, actively publicize the knowledge of liver cancer prevention and treatment, improve the public's awareness of liver cancer, help early detection, early diagnosis, early development, and reduce the mortality rate of liver cancer.