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Family history of liver disease is major risk factor for cancer

Category: Liver Diseases

Individuals who have a family history of liver disease may want to consider liver panel testing. New research suggests that these individuals are at a significantly elevated risk of developing a common form of liver cancer.

After examining the medical records of 660 people, some of whom were being treated for hepatocellular carcinoma, the researchers found that individuals with a family history of liver disease and no record of hepatitis infection had a 70-fold increased risk of developing liver cancer.

"Monitoring individuals with family history, particularly those with hepatitis markers, could help to identify hepatocellular carcinoma at an earlier stage, and hence potentially reduce mortality from hepatocellular carcinoma," said lead researcher Carlo La Vecchia.

Hepatitis infection is generally recognized as the leading risk factor for this type of cancer. However, the new findings suggest that simply having a family history of liver disease may put individuals at risk. Those who do have a family history may want to consider liver panel testing to ensure their organ is functioning properly. This may help them avoid future complications.