Lowering Your Risk of Second Cancers After Liver Cancer

Also known as a second primary malignancy (SPM), a second cancer is a new cancer that is unrelated to any cancer diagnosis in the past. It can occur in the same bodily area as the first cancer or develop in a different tissue or organ.

While the risk of second cancers is generally low, people who’ve already had cancer or cancer treatment do have a higher risk of getting cancer again over the course of their lifetime. According to the National Cancer Institute, one in every six people diagnosed with cancer has had a different kind of cancer in the past.

While getting a second cancer isn't completely avoidable, there are some steps you can take in your day-to-day life to reduce your risk of one.

Keep up with follow-up care after liver cancer treatment

Even after treatment ends, your doctor will want to see you regularly for follow-ups. Be sure to keep up with these appointments and remember to report any new symptoms or problems; these could potentially be caused by a second cancer.

Another part of follow-up post-treatment is a survivorship care plan. Apart from summarizing your treatment, it should include personalized recommendations for long-term follow-up care, including screening for post-treatment symptoms, recurrence and second cancers. To monitor for second cancers, you might have certain cancer screening guidelines based on your level of risk. Good medical care and routine screening can help detect second cancers early, sometimes even before any signs or symptoms appear. Your healthcare provider can advise on a screening schedule that works best for you.

Stop smoking and limit your alcohol intake

If you’ve had liver cancer, it is important to stay away from tobacco use and excessive drinking. Both of these lifestyle habits are risk factors for second cancers, and avoiding them can help lower the possibility of a new cancer forming. If you need assistance to quit smoking or reduce alcohol consumption, please consult your doctor. They can suggest lifestyle changes and help in developing a plan to make the transition easier.

Related: 3 Reasons to Stop Drinking: Can You Reverse Liver Damage?

Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle

Nutrition plays a major role in the prevention and management of cancer. Fresh fruits and vegetables have a protective effect against cancer, which can be attributed to their high levels of vitamins with antioxidant and anticancer effects. Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, are high in vitamin C and may be especially helpful as they can enhance your immune response. In these ways, following a healthy eating pattern and a well-balanced diet of fruits and vegetables can help lower your chances of a second cancer. Staying away from sugary drinks, red and processed meats and highly processed foods is important too.

Another aspect of a healthy lifestyle is staying active. Regular exercise is vital in maintaining a healthy body weight to reduce your risk of a second cancer. However, please consult your doctors and care team on an exercise regimen that works for you, especially considering your health and well-being after cancer treatment.

While there aren’t any surefire ways to avoid second cancers, you can bring down your chances of one and increase the likelihood that it’ll be detected early when it's treatable. Be on the watch for any new signs or symptoms and work closely with your healthcare providers.