October is nationally recognized as Liver Cancer Awareness Month and the Mississippi State Department of Health is urging the public to take precautions.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mississippi was ranked fourth in the nation from 2015 to 2019 for liver cancer mortality, with a rate of 8.3 deaths per 100,000 people.
Possible warning signs of liver cancer include:
- Discomfort or pain in the upper right abdomen or right shoulder
- Hard lump on the right side of the body, just below the rib cage
- Swollen abdomen
- Jaundice
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite or feeling full after eating a small amount
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pale, chalky bowel movements and dark urine
October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month!
Liver cancer rates in Mississippi have been rising. Early detection & healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk.
In MS, liver cancer has one of the highest mortality rates among cancers. Stay proactive with your health! pic.twitter.com/1T9mlGuxHx
— Mississippi State Department of Health (@msdh) October 2, 2024
To drastically lessen one’s chances of being diagnosed with liver cancer, medical experts have offered the following tips:
- Vaccinations and testing — get vaccinated against hepatitis B and get tested for hepatitis C.
- Avoid tobacco.
- Limit alcohol intake.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Exercise regularly.
- Avoid exposure to cancer-causing chemicals.
- Avoid sharing needles.
- Use safer sex practices
- Get regular screenings — get regular imaging tests, such as ultrasounds, every six months to identify the disease early.
- Get annual physical examinations.
More information about liver cancer in Mississippi can be found here.
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