The liver is the heaviest and largest internal organ that has a multidimensional functions to keep our body functioning and healthy. It functions essentially for nutrition, digestion, immune system, blood clotting and energy storage. The liver being a silent hard worker is also susceptible to many diseases.
In the Philippines, viral hepatitis especially Hepatitis B affects millions of Filipinos every year. On the other hand, unhealthy lifestyles and certain conditions like prolonged excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, smoking and hepatitis can damage the liver which in the long run will end to liver cancer, one of the top causes of cancer deaths in the country.
Liver cancer at an advanced stage exhibit symptoms like unintentional weight loss, loss of appetite, upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, ongoing or prolonged general weakness and fatigue, abdominal swelling with the formation of a mass, and jaundice or the yellowing of the skin and eyes.
To protect and promote the right to health and inculcate health consciousness among the Filipino people, the month of January of every year is designated as the "Liver Cancer and Viral Hepatitis Awareness and Prevention Month by virtue of Republic Act No. 10526. The act aims to widespread public awareness and education as we constantly face the threats of virus and cancer.
Further, a collaborative interagency and multisectoral efforts of the national government and nongovernment organizations takes the lead in the implementation of programs and activities to provide the best care to the Filipino people.
The Department of Health (DOH) through the expanded program on immunization requires all infants to be given Hepatitis B vaccine dose within 24 hours after birth and subsequent doses as recommended at 4 weeks and 8 weeks, respectively.
In addition, the tenth message of the 10 Kumainments formulated by the National Nutrition Council recommends to every Filipino to be physically active, make healthy food choices, manage stress, avoid alcoholic beverages and cessate smoking to help prevent lifestyle-related non-communicable diseases like cancer.
Furthermore, incorporating foods rich in antioxidant such as coffee, tea, grapes and berries can add beneficial effects on the liver. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli can help improve blood levels of liver enzymes. Nuts and fish can also help improve liver health. For a healthy and properly-functioning liver, avoid fatty, sugary and processed foods.
Meanwhile, health practitioners and specialists recommend to have a regular screening for early detection of liver cancer. Patients who are at risk for liver cancer to have a periodic screening with ultrasound and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) testing every 6 to 12 months. Various treatments for liver cancer are also available.
It is imperative to know the ways on how to take good care of our liver, practice living a healthy lifestyle and being aware of the signs and symptoms to help reduce the risk of developing such disease. (RAL/AMF/NPC)
