Hong Kong – Liver cancer remains the third leading cause of cancer death in the city, with over 1,500 fatalities recorded in 2019 alone—accounting for 20% of all cancer deaths, second only to colorectal cancer. The disease is often called a “silent killer” because it rarely produces symptoms until it has reached an advanced stage, leaving patients with just months to live. Medical professionals are now calling for greater awareness of early warning signs and the critical importance of routine screening.
The Silent Threat
Gastroenterologist and hepatology specialist Dr. Xiao Dunren explains that the liver itself has no nerve endings, meaning tumours can grow undetected. “By the time a patient feels anything, we often find a tumour of 5 to 10 centimetres,” he says. At that stage, life expectancy typically drops to three to six months. This tragic reality was starkly illustrated by the late Hong Kong actor Ng Man-tat, known as “Daat Suk,” who was only diagnosed in 2020 when cancer had already spread. He passed away within three months at age 70.
However, modern ultrasound technology can detect tumours smaller than 2 centimetres, dramatically raising the five-year survival rate. “Regular check-ups are not optional—they are life-saving,” Dr. Xiao stresses.
Skin Changes: An Early Warning?
Surprisingly, persistent skin problems may signal underlying liver disease. Doctors warn that three types of skin issues should never be ignored:
- Unexplained, persistent itching (pruritus)
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Red, spider-like blood vessels (spider angiomas)
One patient who thought they had eczema was shocked to discover a 10-centimetre liver tumour during an ultrasound. These skin manifestations often appear long before pain or other symptoms, making them crucial red flags.
Common Symptoms and Risk Factors
When symptoms do appear, they may include abdominal swelling, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, and a hard, enlarged liver that can be felt through the abdominal wall. Dr. Xiao recalls a patient who visited multiple clinics for stomach pain before examination revealed a liver that had swollen so much it could be palpated—with 10-centimetre tumours on both lobes.
Four lifestyle habits are particularly damaging to the liver:
- Chronic alcohol consumption
- Obesity and fatty liver disease
- Frequent late nights disrupting the liver’s repair cycle
- A diet high in processed foods and sugars
The liver has remarkable regenerative power—donors can lose a third of their organ and see it grow back. But its warranty period is roughly 60 years. After age 65, liver volume shrinks by about 30% compared to age 40, and blood flow decreases by 35%, marking a natural decline.
Prevention and Early Detection
The best defence is a combination of lifestyle changes and medical vigilance. Dr. Xiao recommends:
- Routine ultrasound screenings every six to 12 months for high-risk individuals (those with hepatitis B or C, heavy drinkers, or those with a family history of liver cancer)
- A balanced diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, while limiting alcohol and refined sugars
- Maintaining a healthy weight to prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Avoiding unnecessary medications that may stress the liver
The Bottom Line
Liver cancer does not have to be a death sentence. Early detection through simple, non-invasive ultrasound can make the difference between a curable tumour and a terminal diagnosis. For the millions of Hong Kongers who live with risk factors—including late-night work cultures, high alcohol consumption, and rising obesity rates—the message is clear: listen to your skin, watch your habits, and schedule that check-up before it is too late.
Further reading: For more on liver health, see our article on Understanding High Liver Enzymes: Causes, Symptoms, and Dietary Solutions and How Traditional Chinese Medicine Can Help Combat Fatty Liver.