A prominent oncologist is cautioning individuals not to dismiss an unusual ache in their right shoulder, as it could be an early indicator of liver cancer. This sensation may come and go, primarily affecting the shoulder while sparing the arm.

Often, such discomfort is attributed to physical exertion, muscle strain, or poor posture. However, Dr. Jiri Kubes, a radiation oncologist and the medical director at the Proton Therapy Center in Prague, emphasized, “The difficulty with liver cancer lies in its initially subtle symptoms, leading many to overlook them or mistake them for something benign.”

“Liver cancer can occasionally produce what is known as referred or phantom pain,” Dr. Kubes explained. “This is where discomfort manifests in the shoulder instead of the abdomen. This occurs because the liver is positioned near nerves connected to the shoulder, causing irritation to manifest in different parts of the body.”

Each year, around 6,000 individuals in the UK are diagnosed with liver cancer, with mortality rates from this illness climbing more rapidly than any of the other top 20 cancers, as reported by the British Liver Trust and Liver Cancer UK.

The organization points out that only about 30% of liver cancer cases are caught early. Many people disregard the initial signs of liver cancer due to their ambiguous presentation.

According to the NHS, some of the frequently observed symptoms include:

Jaundice can be an indicator that something is amiss with your liver. It causes the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow due to a build-up of bilirubin. While it is common in newborns and can clear up on its own, in adults it requires prompt medical attention.

The NHS advises anyone who has spotted a lump in their tummy, lost a significant amount of weight without trying, or is experiencing symptoms of liver cancer that worsen or fail to improve after two weeks, to consult their GP.

It notes: “Many of these symptoms are very common and can be caused by different conditions. Having them does not definitely mean you have liver cancer. But it’s important to get them checked by a GP. This is because if they’re caused by cancer, finding it early may mean it’s easier to treat.”

A number of lifestyle factors can heighten your risk of liver disease, cirrhosis and liver cancer, including hepatitis virus infection, excessive alcohol consumption, being overweight and having type 2 diabetes.