Doctors in UAE warn of rising risks of liver cancer among residents

Abu Dhabi - People are being urged to make significant lifestyle changes.

Doctors in the UAE have expressed concerns over the rising number of patients suffering from fatty liver, a condition which can lead to liver diseases including cancer.
In a bid to educate the population during the Liver Cancer Awareness Month (October), people are being urged to make significant lifestyle changes. "Liver disease will soon emerge as the number one indication for liver transplantation in the country," Dr Shiva Kumar, chief of gastroenterology and hepatology in the Digestive Disease Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (CCAD), told Khaleej Times.
"There are increasing number of cases of liver cancer, primarily related to the increase in the prevalence of fatty liver disease."
He said that in some cases of liver disease, they can progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
"Other causes of liver cancer, including Hepatitis B and C, are on the decline, because of the availability of potent and effective anti-virus agents."
He pointed out that around 30 per cent of people in the region have fatty liver.
"Approximately one in three people in this part of the world has a fatty liver, but a vast majority of them do not progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer."
However, Dr Kumar stressed those who do progress, are at risk of developing liver failure and liver cancer. He said he receives 5-10 liver cancer cases a month. "Those numbers are expected to grow in the future."
He pointed out that the increase of fatty liver cases can be traced to the obesity among the residents. "Consequently, lifestyle changes, diet and exercise play a big part."
Dr Kumar added that liver cancer is often diagnosed in later stages because there are no obvious early symptoms associated with the disease. "We are deploying a three-pronged strategy to patients - encourage lifestyle changes to reduce risk of developing liver disease; know the warning signs and have regular screenings; and see a specialist for early intervention if they do develop cancer."
Among the most common symptoms are unexplained weight loss as well as weakness, fatigue, poor appetite and nausea. A yellow tinge to the skin or the whites of the eyes are warning signs as are abdominal swelling and upper abdominal pain.
He pointed out that there are two types of liver cancer - primary, which originates in the liver, and secondary, where patients have suffered from cancer in another organ, which then spreads to the liver.
Dr Arun Korah, gastroenterology specialist, Universal Hospital, said: "Fatty liver cases have become a big chunk of our patients coming to us."
He added that out of 600 patients, 200 have fatty liver. "Fatty liver, along with Hepatitis, cirrhosis, can lead to liver cancer. The increase in fatty liver will result in a significant increase in the liver cancer and cirrhosis in the next 20-30 years. But fatty liver takes a longer time to develop into liver cancer than hepatitis," he added.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE