Risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma:
(1) chronic exposure to aflatoxins, especially aflatoxin B1
(2) chronic liver damage, especially cirrhosis
Risk factors for chronic exposure to aflatoxins:
(1) rural population in a developing country
(2) contamination of food staples (maize, nuts, spices, etc) by Aspergillus species (Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, other)
(3) poor food regulations
Risk factors for chronic liver damage:
(1) chronic active hepatitis B (HBV)
(2) chronic active hepatitis C (HCV)
(3) alcohol abuse
(4) other cause of chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis
