Liver Cancer Can Still Develop Without Hepatitis B

It is a common misconception that only people with hepatitis B are at risk of developing liver cancer. In reality, while hepatitis B is a major contributing factor, it is not the sole cause. Liver cancer can develop in individuals without a history of hepatitis B infection. China has a large population of hepatitis B patients, estimated at around 90 million, and is also a country with a high incidence of liver cancer. More than 51% of newly diagnosed primary liver cancer cases worldwide occur in China, highlighting the strong link between hepatitis B and liver cancer development.

In medical terms, liver cancer often follows a progression known as the "liver cancer triad" – chronic hepatitis B, cirrhosis following hepatitis, and finally liver cancer. However, several other conditions and risk factors can also lead to the development of primary liver cancer:

Chronic hepatitis C infection is another viral cause, though less common in China and more prevalent in countries like Japan. Prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to alcoholic cirrhosis, which significantly increases the likelihood of liver cancer. In certain regions, schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection caused by blood flukes, can lead to liver damage and subsequent cirrhosis.

Additionally, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become increasingly prevalent, especially among younger populations, due to rising obesity rates and sedentary lifestyles. Exposure to environmental toxins also plays a role – for example, long-term consumption of foods contaminated with aflatoxins, such as moldy peanuts, has been linked to liver cancer. Moreover, high intake of nitrosamines from preserved or processed foods may also contribute to an increased risk of developing primary liver cancer.

Understanding these diverse causes is crucial for prevention and early detection, especially for individuals without hepatitis B who may still be at risk due to other factors.