Cyprus Liver Patients and Friends Association highlights importance of liver cancer awareness

October is dedicated to liver cancer awareness, with the Cyprus Liver Patients and Friends Association “Prometheus” urging the public to focus on prevention and early diagnosis. The initiative follows alarming global statistics from 2024, during which approximately 850,000 individuals were diagnosed with liver cancer and over 730,000 deaths occurred worldwide. In Cyprus, the Cyprus Cancer Registry documented 77 new cases of the disease in 2023.

The association emphasizes that liver cancer often develops without obvious symptoms in its early stages, necessitating systematic monitoring for high-risk populations. Identified primary risk factors include chronic hepatitis B and C, cirrhosis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), metabolic issues, and excessive alcohol consumption. Prometheus highlights that while hepatitis B is preventable through vaccination, hepatitis C is now considered a curable condition.

Prometheus continues to advocate for public health education, encouraging citizens to consult medical professionals and undergo regular screenings. The association underscores that proactive medical management and awareness are essential tools to combat the disease, particularly for individuals belonging to high-risk categories who must prioritize their liver health through ongoing healthcare cooperation.