With liver cancer occurring most commonly in low-income countries, the need for safer, cheaper and more effective therapies is extremely high. Below are some possible prevention methods to reduce the likelihood of developing liver cancer. Best Ways To Prevent Liver Cancer Prevention of HBV Infection The primary method of intervening involves prevention of risk factors. For example, the most cost-effective treatment for low-income countries is HBV vaccinations. Chronic cases of HBV can also be treated with medications. Although these treatments can hinder the effects of the infection, they rarely cure it. However, these medications can prevent replication of the virus and thus reduce damage to the liver and risk for liver cancer development. These medications include lamivudine, adefovir, tenofovir, telbivudine, entecavir, and the two immune system modulators, interferon alpha-2a and pegylated interferon alpha-2a. Prevention of HCV Infection Since there is no vaccine for HCV, prevention by controlling HCV infection can be more challenging. The best strategy is to avoid exposure to the virus by reducing exposure to blood products, unprotected sex, and unsafe medical procedures. Strategies include screening of blood donations, use of condoms, use of single use needles, and improving medical procedures and techniques. Antiviral therapies for HCV cured more than half of all treated patients.

Liver cancer is a devastating and common cancer affecting people of from all walks of life all over the world. Though there are effective surgical and chemotherapeutic treatments available, because they are expensive and most cases of liver cancer occur in low-income countries, the best option for combating the disease is prevention of risk factors such as hepatitis B and C virus infections and infections by flatworms. Through additional study and development of preventative measures, the incidence of cancer will hopefully become a disease of the past. Mortality rates are similar to incidence rates in nearly all countries with liver cancer cases. Prognosis is significantly influenced by when the cancer is detected. Early detection significantly improves prognosis since many of these patients are successfully treated. However, advanced stage HCC has a much bleaker prognosis. In the United States, less than 50% of people with liver cancer survive up to one year and 16% five years after diagnosis if left untreated. Prognosis is also affected by other factors such as tumor stage at diagnosis, liver function, tumor size, number of lesions, vascular invasion and spread.