North Country Health Nuggets

October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month.  It is a great time to learn about liver cancer, know the risks, and take steps to protect our health.

The liver is an important organ.  It helps clean the blood, stores energy, and helps the body use food.  When cancer starts in the liver, it can be hard to find early because there may be few warning signs.

More than 40,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with liver cancer each year. Liver cancer rates have increased over the past several decades.

Some health problems can raise the risk of liver cancer.  These include hepatitis B and C, cirrhosis (liver scarring), obesity, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and heavy alcohol use.

The good news is that there are ways to lower the risk.  Talk with your doctor or local clinic about hepatitis testing and vaccines when needed.  If you have liver disease, regular medical care can help find problems early.  Regular checkups are a good time to talk about your liver health.  Ask your health care provider if you should have your liver checked, especially if you have hepatitis, cirrhosis, diabetes, fatty liver disease, or other risk factors.  Tell your provider about signs such as yellow skin or eyes, unusual tiredness, belly pain or swelling, or unexplained weight loss.  Your provider can decide if blood tests, imaging, or other tests are needed.

There are steps you can take to help protect your liver.  Get tested for hepatitis B and C if your health care provider recommends it and ask about the hepatitis B vaccine.  Limit alcohol or avoid it altogether.  Eating healthy foods, staying active, and keeping a healthy weight can help lower the risk of fatty liver disease and other liver problems.  If you have diabetes or another health condition, work with your health care provider to keep it under control.

During Liver Cancer Awareness Month, health groups across the country share information about liver health.  Go to the American Liver Foundation at:  https://liverfoundation.org to take their liver health quiz.  They also have tips and education on how to take care of your liver. 

Knowing your risk is an important first step.  If you have hepatitis, cirrhosis, or another liver condition, ask your health care provider what steps are right for you.

This October, take time to learn about your liver.  Talk with your family, neighbors, and health care provider.  A simple conversation today could help protect your health tomorrow.

Submitted by: North Country Community Health Services and Beltrami County Community Health Services- www.ncchb.org or www.co.beltrami.mn.us/services/public-health/ or find us on Facebook-North Country Community Health Services

(Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard and Lake of the Woods Public Health)