Liver Cancer Screening: Who Needs It and How Often

Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, or HCC) is one of the fastest-rising cancers in the U.S., and it is especially common in Asian American communities because of chronic hepatitis B. When it is found early, it can often be removed, ablated, or treated with a liver transplant. Found late, options are much more limited. Regular screening makes the difference.

Who should be screened?

• Anyone with cirrhosis, from any cause
• People with chronic hepatitis B, including:
  • Asian men over 40 and Asian women over 50
  • People born in Africa
  • Anyone with a family history of liver cancer
• Some people with advanced liver scarring from hepatitis C, even after cure

How screening works

Screening is done every 6 months, usually with an ultrasound of the liver, often together with an AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) blood test. If the ultrasound is hard to read or something is seen, we may order a CT or MRI.

Lowering your risk

• Get tested for hepatitis B and C, and get vaccinated for hepatitis B if you're not immune
• Take hepatitis B medicine as prescribed
• Get hepatitis C cured
• Avoid alcohol
• Manage fatty liver disease, diabetes, and weight

Know your scarring

Liver elastography (FibroScan) in our office measures liver stiffness and helps decide who needs screening. Dr. Ken D. Nguyen, whose interests include viral hepatitis and advanced liver disease, speaks Vietnamese.

Make an appointment

Our gastroenterologists in Temple City care for patients from Arcadia, San Gabriel, Pasadena, Monrovia, Monterey Park, and across the San Gabriel Valley. We accept most PPO plans (see accepted insurances), and our doctors speak English, Vietnamese, and Mandarin. Schedule an appointment or call 626-898-4560.

This article is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your own health.