October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the vital importance of liver health and the steps that can be taken to prevent one of the most serious forms of cancer. At MNGI Digestive Health, our hepatology specialists are dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and supporting patients with liver conditions that, if left unchecked, can increase the risk of liver cancer.
Why Liver Cancer Awareness Matters
“Liver cancer awareness is critical because most cases develop in people who already have chronic liver disease, often without obvious symptoms until the cancer is advanced,” says Dr. Ibrahim Hanouneh, gastroenterologist and hepatology specialist at MNGI Digestive Health. “Conditions such as hepatitis B or C virus infection, fatty liver disease, and long-term alcohol use can silently damage the liver over many years. By increasing awareness, we can encourage early screening and treatment for these underlying diseases, which in many cases can prevent cancer altogether. Early detection makes a tremendous difference; when liver cancer is caught in its earliest stages, treatment options and outcomes improve dramatically.”
The liver is remarkably complex, performing hundreds of essential functions such as filtering toxins, processing nutrients, and storing energy. When it becomes damaged by chronic conditions, the resulting inflammation and scarring (cirrhosis) can lead to liver failure or cancer.
The most common risk factors for liver cancer include:
- Chronic hepatitis B or C infections
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Alcohol-related liver disease
- Cirrhosis (advanced scarring of the liver)
- Obesity, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome
The Liver: Resilient, Yet Vulnerable
Dr. Hanouneh reminds us that liver health deserves ongoing attention. “I wish more people recognized how resilient yet vulnerable the liver is,” he says. “It performs hundreds of vital functions, from processing nutrients and medications to detoxifying the body — but it often doesn’t ‘complain’ until significant damage has occurred. The good news is that many liver diseases are preventable and even reversible when detected early. Simple actions like maintaining a healthy lifestyle, limiting alcohol, getting vaccinated for hepatitis, and talking to your doctor about liver screening if you have risk factors can make a lifelong difference.”
Comprehensive Liver Care at MNGI Digestive Health
At MNGI, our Hepatology specialists take a proactive, patient-centered approach to liver disease management. “Our hepatology team works closely with experts in gastroenterology, radiology, pathology, and surgery to provide coordinated, multidisciplinary care,” explains Dr. Hanouneh. “We combine advanced diagnostic tools — such as elastography, imaging, and liver biopsy — with individualized management plans tailored to each patient’s needs. Equally important, we emphasize prevention and early intervention, focusing on education, lifestyle support, and ongoing monitoring for patients at risk of liver disease or liver cancer.”
Learn more about our hepatology services here: Hepatitis & Liver Disease at MNGI.
