Obinna Aligwekwe, a UK-based consultant physician, has highlighted six major causes of liver cancer following the death of Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo, who reportedly died on May 11.
The doctor clarified that the causes he listed were strictly for educational purposes and may not necessarily be connected to Alexx Ekubo’s case, noting that many liver cancer patients have no clearly identified trigger.
In a Facebook post shared on May 13, Obinna outlined the following causes of liver cancer:
- Hepatitis B and C
According to him, untreated hepatitis B and C can severely damage the liver over time and increase the risk of cancer. He explained that the infections are commonly contracted through contaminated blood, illicit drug use, and bodily fluids.
- Alcohol and tobacco use
The physician noted that while the liver naturally detoxifies harmful substances, long-term exposure to alcohol and tobacco gradually damages liver cells, which may later become cancerous.
- Aflatoxins
He explained that aflatoxins are toxins produced by fungi that contaminate foods such as groundnuts, wheat, rice, corn, and soybeans. Long-term exposure, especially in tropical regions, increases the risk of liver cancer.
- Excess body weight
Obinna stated that obesity can lead to fat buildup in the liver, which may overwhelm liver cells and, in some cases, trigger cancer development.
- Vinyl chloride
The doctor described vinyl chloride as a chemical used in producing certain plastics, adding that it has been identified as highly toxic to the liver and is now strictly regulated in many countries.
- Genetics
He also mentioned that some inherited diseases can increase the likelihood of developing liver cancer later in life. Examples he gave include Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, tyrosinaemia, acute porphyria, and Wilson’s disease.
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