October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month

This October 2026, the American Liver Foundation (ALF) celebrates Liver Cancer Awareness Month. The event is part of the ALF’s 40th National Liver Awareness Month, which supports those affected by liver disease, with events ranging from knowledge-sharing campaigns to fund-raising efforts for research and programs. Liver Cancer Awareness Month specifically focuses on patients and families with liver cancer.

The liver is the largest internal organ in the human body, and is responsible for many functions. Some of its primary functions include the filtration of harmful substances from the blood, the production of bile to digest fats, and the storage of sugars for energy. As such, keeping our liver healthy is integral to our general well-being.

The ALF has been promoting liver health in the US since it was established in 1976. The non-profit organization has been celebrating National Liver Awareness Month since President Reagan’s Proclamation in 1986. The event raised awareness of liver diseases in a time when public knowledge of common liver diseases was low, with its impact on public awareness continuing to this day.

In 2026, the ALF’s public health initiative called Think Liver, Think Life integrated National Liver Awareness Month into its broader programme of related events. This year’s program focuses on early detection of the disease through public screenings, featuring a liver health quiz that assesses one’s risk for liver disease and cancer, and a 30-day meal plan for liver health.

Liver Cancer Awareness Month also focuses more on liver cancer prevention and detection. There are two main types of liver cancer in adults: the more common hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the rarer cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). HCC is a significant public health issue in the US, with an incidence that has more than tripled since the 1980s, and a death rate that has doubled.

To advocate for liver cancer prevention, the campaign promotes awareness of the risk factors for developing liver cancer, such as chronic hepatitis infections, alcohol use, smoking, fatty liver disease, and some metabolic diseases. Thankfully, many of these factors can be avoided with lifestyle changes.

Vaccination wards against viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C), which is responsible for most liver cancer cases. Minimizing alcohol and tobacco consumption can also cut the risk of developing the disease. Finally, and perhaps most holistically, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen can lower chances of metabolic disease and improve general well-being.

The liver is an important organ for our body. Liver disease, especially liver cancer, can greatly detriment our quality of life. The silent progression of many liver diseases is a public health threat, but thankfully, the liver is one of few organs capable of regenerating. It is never too late to change our lifestyle to improve our liver health, from adopting a healthy diet to limiting our exposure to risk factors.