(BPT) - When Tony Villiotti was diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer, at 71 years old he felt alone and overwhelmed. "Once we got the diagnosis, my wife and I wanted to learn more," Villiotti says. "But we didn't really have a lot of information."
Villiotti's experience is all too common. In the U.S., liver cancer diagnosis rates have more than tripled since the 1980s, and in 2025, there will be an estimated 42,000 new cases. However, public awareness about liver cancer risk factors and symptoms remains low.
"My experience is that people really don't know much about their liver," notes Villiotti. "Liver disease can come up seemingly out of nowhere because, often, there are no symptoms."
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with liver cancer, here are five tips that may help you navigate the journey and feel more empowered:
1. Become an educated patient. Do your research so you can understand your treatment options and have informed discussions with your doctors. "In order to do that, you have to identify resources that'll be most helpful to you," advises Villiotti. Websites like OneLiverToLove.com can provide tips for navigating a diagnosis, resources to help you manage your care, recommend support groups, and help you feel more empowered and less alone.
2. Take an active role in your care. "You really need to be your own best advocate when it comes to dealing with your health care team," urges Villiotti. Write down questions in advance and make sure you get the answers that you need during your appointments. Remember, this is about you and your health.
3. Lean on your support systems. Villiotti recommends having a second person accompany you to doctors' visits, if possible. They can provide support, take notes and be an extra set of ears to absorb information. Managing a liver cancer diagnosis is a team effort; OneLiverToLove.com has downloadable conversation cards that can help you and your loved ones navigate this journey together.
4. Stay organized. Depending on your treatment plan, you may see multiple specialists including surgeons, oncologists, radiologists and hepatologists. Keep a written or digital calendar of all your appointments to avoid scheduling conflicts and take advantage of online patient portals if your health system offers them, advises Villiotti. OneLiverToLove.com also offers a downloadable appointment tracker to help you manage your doctors' visits.
5. Prioritize your well-being. While you navigate treatment, make sure that you, your caregiver and your loved ones don't neglect the fundamentals of health: nutrition, exercise, sleep and stress management. Making healthy lifestyle choices may benefit both your liver and your overall well-being. OneLiverToLove.com offers practical tips that are good for you and your liver, and the One Liver to Love YouTube channel features experts sharing advice on how to prioritize these fundamentals.
Remember, you are not alone on this journey. "One thing that has changed for the better since I went through my experience with liver cancer is that a variety of resources are now available for those that face the same situation themselves," Villiotti shares.
By educating yourself, advocating for your needs, staying organized and making your health a priority, you can feel empowered as you navigate liver cancer. OneLiverToLove.com was created by Blue Faery, Global Liver Institute (GLI) and Eisai Inc. with one community in mind - for people like you and families like yours who are living with and affected by liver cancer. Check out the site for helpful resources and visit the One Liver to Love YouTube channel to hear more from Tony and other real people who have faced a liver cancer diagnosis.
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