News surrounding the reported passing of Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo has once again pushed liver cancer into public conversation across Nigeria.

Whenever a public figure faces a serious illness, people naturally begin asking questions:

“How does liver cancer happen?”
“Can it be detected early?”
“What symptoms should people watch for?”

The truth is, liver disease often develops quietly.

Many people continue with daily life while symptoms slowly progress in the background. In some cases, warning signs may not become obvious until the condition has already advanced.

That’s why doctors consistently emphasize preventive healthcare, routine medical checkups, and early screening.

What Exactly Is Liver Cancer?

Liver cancer occurs when abnormal cells begin growing uncontrollably in the liver.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), liver cancer is among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally, with hepatitis infections, alcohol-related liver disease, obesity, and fatty liver disease being major contributing factors.

Why Liver Cancer Can Be Dangerous

One major challenge with liver cancer is that symptoms may not appear early.

Some people only begin noticing signs when the disease has significantly progressed.

Possible symptoms may include:

• Persistent fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal swelling or pain
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice)
• Nausea
• Weakness

These symptoms do not automatically mean someone has liver cancer, but they should never be ignored.

Common Risk Factors

Doctors often pay close attention to people with:

• Hepatitis B or C infection
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Fatty liver disease
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Smoking history
• Family history of liver disease

In Nigeria, hepatitis-related liver complications remain a major health concern.

According to WHO data, Africa continues to carry a significant burden of viral hepatitis infections, which increases long-term liver disease risks when left unmanaged.

Why Preventive Health Checks Matter

One of the strongest tools against serious illnesses is early medical evaluation.

Routine screenings and laboratory investigations can help identify underlying liver problems before they become severe.

Doctors may recommend:

• Liver function tests
• Abdominal scans
• Hepatitis screening
• Comprehensive medical evaluations

Early detection improves treatment options and helps patients receive proper care sooner.

The Bigger Conversation We Need To Have

Moments like this should not only create fear.

They should encourage awareness.

Many Nigerians wait until symptoms become unbearable before seeking medical attention. Unfortunately, delayed diagnosis reduces treatment options for many conditions — not just liver cancer.

Preventive healthcare should become part of normal life, not something reserved only for emergencies.

How PSMC Can Help

At Premier Specialists’ Medical Centre (PSMC), we encourage preventive healthcare through:

• Comprehensive health screening
• Internal medicine consultations
• Laboratory investigations
• Diagnostic evaluations
• Preventive medical care

Regular health checks can help detect underlying conditions early and support better long-term health outcomes.

Final Thoughts

Liver disease and liver cancer are serious conditions, but early medical attention, proper screening, and healthier lifestyle choices can make a significant difference.

Your health should never be postponed.

sources

• World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer
• CDC — Liver Cancer Information: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/liver/
• American Cancer Society — Liver Cancer Overview: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/liver-cancer.html