Posted 4 years ago
Liver Cancer Awareness & Resources
Did you know that your liver is an organ the size of a football in the upper portion of your abdomen? The liver’s primary function is to aid in digestion and removal of toxins from your body.
There are two types of primary liver cancer in adults – hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of adult primary liver cancer.
Liver cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world and is now the fastest-growing cause of cancer death. It also occurs more frequently in men, with the disease affecting men about three times more often than women. The incidence rate of the disease is also increasing exponentially.
- Liver cancer diagnoses increased by 75 percent worldwide between 1990 and 2015.
- In the United States, the number of diagnoses has more than tripled since 1980.
The American Cancer Society estimates 42,810 new cases of liver cancer and intrahepatic bile duct cancer, which forms in the bile duct branches in the liver, will be diagnosed in the United States in 2020.
We want you to know you are not alone. There are numerous resources available to support and educate you. Our Social Workers are here to assist you. Nicole McCallister covers the West Valley.
Here are a few community organizations that have extensive research and education articles available on their websites as well as financial assistance, resources for families and caregivers, and ways for patients to connect with peers for emotional support.
CancerCare – https://www.cancercare.org/diagnosis/liver_cancer
National Cancer Institute – https://www.cancer.gov/types/liver
American Liver Foundation – https://liverfoundation.org/for-patients/resources/
We always remind you to ask your providers and team medical questions or advice specific to your health needs.
Are you facing a liver cancer diagnosis and need support? Join one of our General Cancer Support Groups at Ironwood by contacting Supportive Care Services at 480-314-6660.
About Nicole McCallister, LMSW
Nicole McCallister
Nicole McCallister is a Licensed Master Social Worker. Nicole received her Master’s in Social Work from Arizona State University in August 2017. She received her Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Studies in April 2003 from Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, MI.
About Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers
Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers (ICRC) is the largest multi-specialty oncology network in the Greater Metro Phoenix area. They have over 100 medical providers, a robust Integrative Services program, and a dedicated clinical research department. Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers has 15 valley locations and five comprehensive cancer care centers that offer a multi-disciplinary approach for expedited personalized patient care. For more information, please visit www.ironwoodcrc.com.