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Liver cancer develops when abnormal cells start to divide and grow in an uncontrolled way in the liver. It is a relatively rare form of cancer, with around 5,900 cases diagnosed each year in

the UK. It is rare but serious nonetheless: the treatment outcomes are not as hopeful other forms of cancer due to the underlying damage that is associated with it. “You should also contact

your GP if you've previously been diagnosed with a condition known to affect the liver, such as cirrhosis or a hepatitis C infection, and your health suddenly gets worse,” it adds.

WHAT IS CIRRHOSIS? Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver due to previous damage. This scarring can cause problems with the way the liver works, increasing your risk of liver cancer, explains

Cancer Research UK. According to the charity, cirrhosis can be caused by: * Long term infection with a virus such as hepatitis B or C * Long term alcohol drinking * Inherited diseases such

as iron overload disorder (haemochromatosis) and alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency * Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease * Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) According to the health body, some of

the causes of cirrhosis also increase your risk of developing liver cancer when combined with smoking. For example, the risk of liver cancer is increased further if you smoke and drink a lot

of alcohol. “The risk might also be higher in smokers who have hepatitis B or C infection,” adds the charity. As a result, there is strong evidence to suggest leading a healthy lifestyle

can significantly reduce your risk of developing liver cancer. According to the NHS, you should: * Avoiding or cutting down on alcohol * Eat healthily * Exercising regularly * Take steps to

reduce your risk of becoming infected with hepatitis B and C “Although liver cancer is relatively uncommon in the UK, the chances of developing the condition are high for people with risk

factors for the condition,” explains the health site. It adds: “Over the past few decades, rates of liver cancer in the UK have risen considerably, possibly as a result of increased levels

of alcohol consumption and obesity.”