What is Liver Cancer Awareness Month?

Liver cancer awareness month is a global campaign raising awareness of liver cancer across the month of October. Liver cancer is now the fastest growing cause of cancer deaths with at least seven Australians diagnosed every day.

Many of these deaths could be prevented with early detection, hepatitis B vaccination, hepatitis C treatment, regular monitoring and, lifestyle changes.

The main risk factors for liver cancer include:

• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Heavy alcohol use
• Fatty liver disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Genetic disorders

Learn more about liver disease

Ted’s liver cancer story

A surfing holiday in 1969 marked the start of Ted’s journey with hepatitis C and liver cancer, though it wasn’t until 33 years later he would find out about it.

Ted’s story is not uncommon. Around 80 per cent of people with chronic hepatitis C do not show any symptoms and go for many years without knowing they have a virus damaging their liver.

There are very few symptoms for many different types of liver disease, making prevention crucial. Untreated liver disease can lead to permanent liver damage such as cirrhosis or liver cancer, when limited treatment options are available.

After being diagnosed with liver cancer Ted was lucky enough to receive a liver transplant although his journey wasn’t without many highs and lows.

Read Ted’s story