The liver is the largest solid organ in the body. It removes toxins from the blood, maintains healthy sugar and fat levels and performs numerous other vital functions. People with liver diseases, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and fatty liver disease, are at increased risk for the most common type of liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma. What’s more, heavy alcohol use can cause cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver, the main risk factor for liver cancer. The following websites offer current research, support and more for people with liver cancer.
American Cancer Society
Visit this site for a wealth of information about liver cancer during and after treatment, including resources such as downloadable PDFs to help patients cope with their diagnosis, understand treatment options and stay well beyond treatment. Take advantage of its 24/7 cancer helpline and patient/caregiver support program.
American Liver Foundation
ALF’s Liver Resource Center offers educational materials on diet and health, fatty liver disease, hepatitis and other risk factors for liver cancer. Dozens of Wellness Webinars cover topics such as liver disease prevention, disease management and fitness.
Blue Faery: The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association
Founded in 2002, Blue Faery aims “to prevent, treat and cure primary liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), through research, education and advocacy,” according to its website. The nonprofit patient advocacy group offers one-on-one support, awareness campaigns, patient education, details about clinical trials, a thriving liver cancer community (including active forums) and so much more.
Cancer Hope Network
This nonprofit provides free, confidential one-on-one support to people with cancer and their families. The organization matches cancer patients or their relatives with trained volunteers who have undergone and recovered from a similar cancer experience. Its website offers free materials and resources for caregivers, health care professionals and support groups in Spanish and English.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The CDC regularly updates its site with new statistics and studies about liver cancer and diseases that can cause it, such as hepatitis B and C virus. Read and download fact sheets, posters and many other federal resources on risk factors, symptoms, treatment and recovery.
Global Liver Institute
Raising awareness, supporting liver cancer patients and advocating for research are just a few of this organization’s goals. Its online resource center links users to dozens of PDFs and videos on basic liver health, liver cancers, fatty liver disease, pediatric liver diseases and more.
Hepatitis B Foundation
The Hepatitis B Foundation offers various resources on hep B, one of the most common causes of liver cancer. Its website features up-to-date fact sheets, opportunities for clinical trials and the B Heppy podcast.
National Cancer Institute
This site offers statistics, treatments, ongoing research and more, including pages devoted to liver cancer. Browse symptoms, staging, risk factors and screening options, or find an NCI-designated cancer center near you.
United Network for Organ Sharing
Liver transplant is a treatment option for some people with liver cancer. UNOS manages the national transplant waiting list, matches donors to recipients and prioritizes equitable liver allocation. Its website highlights essential information and news on liver transplants.
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