Living with liver cancer

A diagnosis of liver cancer affects more than just your physical health. It impacts how you eat, your energy levels, your emotional wellbeing, and the practical details of daily life.

Living well with liver cancer means managing symptoms and side effects, looking after your emotional health, maintaining good nutrition, staying as active as you can, and getting the practical and financial support you need.

This section provides information and practical advice to help you live as well as possible with liver cancer.

Managing symptoms and side effects

Liver cancer and its treatments can cause a range of symptoms and side effects that affect how you feel and what you can do each day. Because the cancer affects your liver and digestive system, eating and drinking will often be affected.

Managing these symptoms well can help you feel stronger, eat better, maintain your weight, and improve your quality of life.

Your healthcare team is there to help you manage any changes. You don't have to cope alone.

Common symptoms and side effects

Liver cancer and its treatment can cause a range of side effects. You might experience all, some, or none of these. Everyone's experience is different.

Some common side effects include:

• feeling very tired or weak, even after resting (fatigue)
• pain or discomfort, often in the upper right side of the belly
• feeling sick or being sick
• upset stomach or diarrhoea
• not feeling hungry or getting full quickly
• losing weight without trying
• swelling in the belly (ascites)
• yellow skin or eyes (jaundice)
• itchy skin: Because of a build-up of bile in the body.

Everyone’s experience is different. Doctors and nurses can help manage most side effects so people feel as well as possible during treatment.

Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most common side effects of cancer and its treatment. It's more than just feeling tired - it's an overwhelming exhaustion that doesn't get better with rest.

Tips to manage fatigue:

• Balance activity with rest. Plan activities for times when you have more energy
• Take short naps (20-30 minutes) during the day if needed, but avoid long daytime sleeps
• Stay as physically active as you can. Even gentle activities like short walks can help boost energy
• Ask for help with daily tasks when you need it
• Eat well and stay hydrated
• Talk to your doctor if fatigue is affecting your quality of life - there may be underlying causes that can be treated.

Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting can be caused by the cancer itself, or by treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Tips to manage nausea:

• Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day rather than three large meals
• Stick to bland, easy-to-digest foods like crackers, toast, rice, bananas, and plain pasta
• Avoid fatty, fried, or very sweet foods
• Eat cold or room-temperature foods, which may be easier to tolerate than hot foods
• Sip fluids slowly throughout the day to stay hydrated
• Rest after eating, but keep your head elevated
• Try ginger tea or ginger lollies, which can help settle your stomach.

Your doctor can prescribe anti-nausea medications that can help. Don't wait until symptoms become severe - talk to your healthcare team as soon as you feel unwell.

Loss of appetite and feeling full quickly

It's common to lose your appetite or feel full after eating only small amounts. This can be due to the cancer, treatment, or changes to your digestive system.

Tips to manage poor appetite:

• Eat small amounts more frequently throughout the day - aim for 5-6 small meals instead of 3 large ones
• Keep nutritious snacks handy, like nuts, cheese, yoghurt, or smoothies
• Make every bite count by choosing foods that are high in protein and energy
• Drink nutritious fluids like milk, milkshakes, smoothies, or soup
• Try to eat at times when you feel most hungry, even if it's not a traditional mealtime
• Make mealtimes pleasant - eat with others when you can, and in a comfortable environment.

A dietitian can help you plan meals and suggest ways to boost your nutrition, even when you don't feel like eating.

Pain

If pain is your main issue, you may be referred to a pain specialist to help manage it.

Your GP should be sent a letter explaining your condition, and you should be given the name of a person at the hospital to contact if you have any concerns or need additional support.

Types of pain management include:

• Medications (your doctor can prescribe different types of pain relief)
• Heat packs or cold packs
• Gentle massage
• Relaxation techniques
• Physiotherapy.

You should never have to live with unmanaged pain. Your healthcare team can work with you to find the right combination of treatments to keep you comfortable.

When to seek help

Contact your healthcare team immediately if you experience:

• severe or worsening pain
• persistent vomiting that stops you from eating or drinking
• signs of dehydration (dark urine, dizziness, extreme thirst)
• fever or signs of infection
• significant weight loss
• complete inability to swallow food or fluids
• coughing or choking when eating or drinking
• blood in your vomit or black, tarry stools
• any new or worsening symptoms that concern you.

These symptoms might indicate complications requiring prompt medical attention.

Your emotional and mental health

A diagnosis of liver cancer can affect you emotionally as well as physically. It's normal to experience a wide range of feelings, and these feelings may change from day to day.

Looking after your emotional and mental health is just as important as managing physical symptoms. Taking time to understand your feelings and finding ways to cope can make a real difference to your quality of life.

Your emotions

Everyone reacts differently to a cancer diagnosis, but some common feelings include:

• shock and disbelief, especially when first diagnosed
• fear and anxiety about treatment, the future, or cancer coming back
• angry at the unfairness of the situation
• sad about changes to your life and future
• guilty about being a burden on others or about past lifestyle choices
• a loss of control, like cancer is controlling your life
• hope when treatment goes well or you have good days
• gratitude for support from loved ones and healthcare teams.

You might experience all of these feelings, some of them, or different emotions entirely. There's no right or wrong way to feel.

Over time, you may go through a range of emotions, from feeling positive and determined to beat the cancer to feeling low or despairing about the future. This is normal.

Ways to support your emotional wellbeing

There are many strategies than can help you manage the emotional impact of living with liver cancer. What works for someone else may not always work for you. It is important to keep this in mind during your treatment.

• Talk about your feelings. Keeping feelings bottled up typically intensifies distress. Share with trusted friends or family, join a support group where others truly understand, or talk with a counsellor via the Pancare Support Helpline. Saying difficult things aloud often lessens their power.
• Keep some routines. Cancer can turn life upside down, but holding onto small routines, like going to bed and waking up at the same time, can bring a sense of calm and control.
• Be kind to yourself. You’re going through something really difficult. Treat yourself the way you would treat a friend, with patience and compassion. Rest when you need to, let yourself cry, and celebrate small wins.
• Take breaks from cancer information. It’s natural to want to learn about your illness, but constantly reading online or searching for statistics can make anxiety worse. Try setting limits on how much time you spend researching.
• Find small moments of joy. Even on hard days, small pleasures can lift your spirits. Try watching a funny movie, listening to music, sitting in the sun, or cuddling a pet. These little things matter.
• Try relaxation or mindfulness. Deep breathing, gentle stretching, meditation or guided imagery can help ease stress and improve sleep. Many hospitals offer relaxation classes, or you can try free apps at home.
• Stay connected. When you don’t feel social, it’s easy to pull away. But staying in touch helps. A short visit, text, or video chat can remind you that you’re supported and not alone.
• Move your body when you can. Even a slow walk or some gentle stretching can boost your mood and energy. Movement helps both your body and mind feel stronger.

When feelings become overwhelming

While it's normal to feel anxious, sad, or worried, sometimes these feelings can become overwhelming. You might need extra support if you're feeling very anxious or worried most of the time.

Signs that you might need extra help from your healthcare team include:

• difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
• loss of interest in things you usually enjoy
• difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• withdrawing from family and friends
• feeling hopeless about the future
• having physical symptoms like a racing heart, difficulty breathing, or panic attacks
• having thoughts of self-harm all mean you should reach out for help.

If you're experiencing any of these, please talk to your healthcare team, GP, or a counsellor. Help is available, and you don't have to cope alone.

Fear of cancer returning

After finishing initial treatment for liver cancer, many people worry about the cancer coming back. This is a normal fear.

It’s important to focus on follow-up care and the things you can control rather than what you can't.

Talking about your worries can help and connecting with others who understand these fears can be reassuring.

If this fear is affecting your daily life, talk with your healthcare team.

Diet and nutrition

Good nutrition is one of the most important things you can do to support your body through liver cancer and its treatment.

Because liver cancer affects your digestive system, eating and drinking can become challenging. Managing these changes is important for your recovery and will make you feel better in general.

Working with a dietitian who understands liver cancer can make a big difference. They can help you plan meals that work for your body's new needs and manage symptoms.

Why nutrition matters

Liver cancer and its treatment can place extra demands on your body, greatly increasing your nutrient and energy needs, which can lead to weight loss.

Weight loss can contribute to fatigue, delay and lengthen recovery, and negatively affect your quality of life. Because the cancer affects the digestive system, you might find it even more difficult to get enough nutrition to meet your needs and maintain weight.

Good nutrition can help you:

• Maintain your strength and energy
• Support your immune system
• Help your body recover from treatment
• Manage side effects better
• Improve your quality of life.

Eating after liver surgery

After your surgery, what and how you can eat will depend on the type of operation you’ve had and what your hospital team recommends.

Sometimes it’s hard to get enough food and energy by eating normally. Your doctor or dietitian might suggest using a feeding tube to help your body get the nutrition it needs to heal.

• A feeding tube can go directly into your stomach or small intestine before surgery (called a gastrostomy or jejunostomy).
• Sometimes a soft tube is placed through your nose and down into your stomach (called a nasogastric or nasojejunal tube) during or after surgery if eating is difficult.

Feeding tubes are an important way to ensure that your body receives the nutrition it needs to prepare for and recover from surgery. You can be given specially prepared feeding formula (called enteral formula) through this tube that will help you maintain weight and get the nutrients you need for a speedy recovery.

Common eating challenges

Treatment can cause tiredness, changes in taste or smell, mouth or throat soreness, reflux, nausea, or problems swallowing. These symptoms can make eating difficult, but there are ways to help:

• Eat soft, moist foods like soups, casseroles, or smoothies.
• Sip nourishing fluids such as milk, smoothies, or soups between meals.
• Try cold foods if smells bother you.
• Add sauces or gravies to keep food moist.
• Sit upright while eating and for at least 30 minutes afterwards.

Managing weight and energy

Some people lose weight during treatment, while others gain weight. Both can be normal.

If you’re losing weight or feel weak, focus on high-energy, high-protein foods such as:

• Meat, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
• Cream, avocado, butter, nut butters, and oils. Fortifying foods—like adding milk powder to milk or blending nut butter into smoothies—helps you get more energy without eating extra food.

If you gain weight, a dietitian can help you make small, healthy changes to balance your meals.

Building a healthy diet

A healthy diet gives your body energy to recover and helps wounds heal.

• Eat a variety of foods from all food groups.
• Try six small meals or snacks each day.
• Eat the most nourishing foods first if you fill up quickly.
• Make the most of the times you feel hungry.
   Smoothies and milkshakes are easy ways to add energy and protein when your appetite is low.

Working with a dietitian

A dietitian who understands liver cancer can make a big difference. They can help you:

• understand your body’s new needs
• plan meals that fit your lifestyle
• manage symptoms like dumping, reflux, or feeling full quickly
• prevent nutrition problems before they start.

Ask your healthcare team for a referral to a dietitian. This is one of the most important things you can do to help yourself feel better.

Living well with liver cancer

Liver cancer doesn't have to stop you from living a meaningful and full life.

While acknowledging the challenges, finding ways to stay active, maintain relationships, and engage in activities that bring satisfaction helps you feel more like yourself and improves both physical and emotional wellbeing.

Living well doesn't mean pretending everything is fine or maintaining your pre-cancer pace. It means identifying what matters most to you now and finding adapted ways to pursue those things.

Physical activity and exercise

When you’re dealing with liver cancer and its treatments, exercise might feel impossible or unimportant. But gentle movement can actually help you feel better.

Research shows that the right kind of activity can:

• boost your energy and reduce tiredness
• help keep your muscles strong
• lift your mood and improve sleep
• support digestion and appetite
• even help your body respond better to treatment.

This isn’t about hard workouts or gym goals. It’s about moving in ways that feel right for you.

After surgery, start small and take your time. Walking is one of the best choices. Even short walks of a few minutes at a time can help your body heal and regain strength.

During chemotherapy or radiation therapy, your energy may change from day to day. On good days, you might walk a little further or do light exercise. On tired days, even gentle stretching or a slow lap around the house counts. The goal is to move your body most days, not to push yourself too hard.

Ideas for gentle activities

• Walking outdoors or inside (like at a shopping centre)
• Swimming or water exercises (once your surgical wounds are fully healed)
• Gentle yoga or tai chi for balance and flexibility
• Using light weights or stretchy bands to keep muscles strong
• Stationary cycling
• Gardening or dancing
• Playing with children or grandchildren

Working with professionals

An exercise physiologist or physiotherapist who understands cancer care can help you build a safe and effective plan. They can adjust your program as your condition changes to make sure you’re exercising safely and getting the most benefit.

You can ask your healthcare team for a referral to an exercise professional.

Relationships

Liver cancer can affect your relationships in many ways. Physical changes, tiredness, stress, treatment, and changes in eating can all affect how you connect with your partner, family, and friends.

Talking to loved ones

Share how you’re feeling and let people know how they can help. You don’t need to protect others by hiding your emotions. It’s okay to talk about everyday things. Not every conversation has to be about cancer.

When relationships feel strained

People who care about you often want to help but may not know how. Some might hover too closely, while others stay away because they feel unsure. The best way to help them support you is to talk openly and clearly about what you need.

You might say things like:

• “I’d love help with grocery shopping on Thursdays.”
• “Can we talk about something other than cancer for a bit?”
• “Just sitting together without talking really helps.”

Intimacy and sexuality

Cancer and its treatments can affect your interest in sex and physical closeness. You might feel too tired, sore, or anxious. Changes in your body, such as scars or weight loss, can also make you feel self-conscious. These are very common feelings, and they do not mean something is wrong with you.

Tips that may help

• Talk honestly with your partner about what feels okay and what doesn’t.

• Remember that intimacy isn’t only about sex. Touch, hugs, and closeness can be just as important.
• Choose times when you feel rested or less unwell.
• Speak with your doctor if pain, nausea, or other side effects make intimacy hard.
• A counsellor or sex therapist can help if these changes cause stress in your relationship.

Intimacy needs change over time. Be kind to yourself and keep communication open.

Finding meaning and purpose

Many people find comfort in spending time on things that matter most – whether that’s hobbies, family, faith, creativity, or being in nature.

You might enjoy gentle yoga, meditation, music or art therapy, reading, gardening, or spiritual activities.

Small moments of joy can make a big difference.

Practical support during liver cancer

A liver cancer diagnosis brings practical challenges alongside medical ones. Managing work, finances, and daily tasks can feel overwhelming when you're also dealing with treatment and recovery.

Getting the right practical support can reduce stress and allow you to focus on your health. You don't have to manage everything alone.

Work and employment

Your diagnosis will affect your ability to work, even if it is only temporarily such as when having treatment.

It's important to talk to your employer about your diagnosis and likely time off work, any adjustments you might need, and your rights and entitlements.

Your options may include taking sick leave, reducing your hours, working from home, making changes to your role or duties, taking extended leave, or leaving work temporarily or permanently.

If you can't continue working, consider what income support you're entitled to, whether you can access your superannuation early, whether you have income protection insurance, and what other financial support is available.

Financial support

Cancer treatment can be expensive. Even with public healthcare, out-of-pocket costs for medications, appointments, parking, travel, and time away from work add up quickly. Financial worry adds significantly to overall stress.

There are government programs and community supports that can help reduce the financial burden.

Government assistance

You may be eligible for payments through Services Australia, such as:

• Sickness Allowance (for temporary inability to work)
• Disability Support Pension (for longer-term situations)
• Carer Payment or Carer Allowance (for family members caring for you)

Contact Services Australia (132 300) to discuss eligibility and application processes.

Other supports

• The Medicare Safety Net reduces out-of-pocket costs for medical services once you reach certain thresholds. Register your family at Medicare to track spending automatically.
• The Pharmaceutical Benefits Safety Net similarly reduces medication costs after you've spent a certain amount annually. Keep receipts from all PBS prescriptions to claim your safety net earlier.
• If you’re struggling with loan or credit payments, contact your bank early to discuss payment relief options
• In some cases, you may be able to access superannuation early on medical grounds. Speak to your fund, accountant or the Australian Taxation Office before applying.

A qualified financial planner can help you review your income, super, and insurance. You can find an accredited adviser through the Financial Planning Association of Australia.

Pancare also provides limited financial assistance for eligible patients and carers. Call 1300 881 698 or email support@pancare.org.au.

Legal considerations

It can feel confronting, but getting your legal documents in order gives peace of mind and helps your loved ones understand your wishes.

• A power of attorney is a legal document that lets someone you trust make decisions on your behalf if you become too unwell to do so. This can cover financial, legal, and personal matters, including health-care decisions.
• A Will sets out what happens to your property, finances, and personal items after your death. It can also include guardianship plans for children and your preferences for funeral arrangements.
• Estate planning means organising your assets, debts, and wishes ahead of time so everything is clear and simple for your loved ones.
• An advance care plan lets you record your preferences for future medical treatment. You can write these in an Advance Care Directive (sometimes called a “living will”), which only takes effect if you are unable to make or communicate decisions yourself.

 
Where to get help

Managing the practical side of cancer can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone.

You can:

• Talk to a social worker or cancer care coordinator at your treatment centre
• Call Pancare Foundation on 1300 881 698
• Contact the Cancer Council on 13 11 20 for advice on financial, legal, or work-related issues

Support and resources

You don't have to face liver cancer alone. Many services and resources are available to support you and your family.

Pancare Support

Pancare Support is Pancare Foundation's dedicated support service for people affected by upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, like liver cancer.

• Pancare Support Helpline is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. You can speak with a specialist upper GI nurse. You can book an appointment or alternatively call 1300 881 698.
• Pancare Support Groups are online or face-to-face support groups for people living with an upper GI cancer. You can share experiences with others who understand and learn from others' experiences.
• Carer Support Groups provide support for carers and family members. These are held online on the last Thursday of each month from 11am-12:30pm (AEST).
• Specialist Presenter-led Groups are monthly combined patient and carer groups that feature specialist presenters on topics like diet, managing side effects, and survivorship. These are held online on the third Thursday of each month from 11am-12:30pm (AEST/AEDT).
• Financial assistance: Financial support is available for eligible patients, carers, and families. This can help with costs like medical equipment, bills, and specialist services.
• Educational resources: Pancare Foundation provides information booklets and guides, online resources, and a Living Well Series with expert information.

Cancer Council support groups

Cancer Council provides Australia-wide cancer information and support services, accessible regardless of cancer type.

The 13 11 20 Information and Support Line operates Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm, with trained consultants answering questions about cancer, treatment, services, and providing emotional support. Translation services are available for non-English speakers.

Telephone Support Groups run by Cancer Council NSW are free, professionally facilitated groups you can join from home. Contact Cancer Council on 1300 755 632 or email tsg@nswcc.org.au for information about joining these groups.

Face to face support groups are also available. Some groups are open to people with any type of cancer, while others are for people with a specific cancer type.   Many support groups welcome family and carers.

Cancer Connect matches you one-on-one with someone who has experienced similar cancer. Speaking with someone who's been through liver cancer treatment provides unique understanding and practical insights.

Legal and financial information through Cancer Council includes guidance on entitlements, managing costs, workplace rights, and legal issues. Their website offers downloadable resources and contact details for further assistance.

Your healthcare team

Your healthcare team is a key source of support. Don't hesitate to contact them with questions or concerns.

• Specialist cancer nurses provide information and education, help coordinate your care, offer emotional support, and are available for questions between appointments.
• Social workers can help with practical issues, connect you with financial support, provide emotional support and counselling, and help you navigate the healthcare system.
• Dietitians give specialist advice on nutrition, help with managing eating difficulties, provide advice on enzyme supplements, and offer ongoing nutritional support.
• Psychologists or counsellors provide support for emotional and mental health, teach strategies for coping, support you with anxiety and depression, and are available for you and your family.
• Exercise physiologists or physiotherapists design safe exercise programmes, help maintain strength and fitness, and support physical recovery.
• Pain specialists provide specialised pain management when pain is difficult to control.
• Palliative care teams help with symptom management and support for quality of life. They're available earlier than many people think - not just for end-of-life care. They can work alongside your cancer treatment team.

Online resources and information

Stick to reputable sources when looking for information online. Be wary of miracle cures or treatments that sound too good to be true.

Check when information was published as medical knowledge changes over time.

Discuss anything you read online with your healthcare team before making decisions.

Some reliable online sources include:

• Pancare Foundation (www.pancare.org.au) provides information about liver cancer, support services, research and clinical trials, and resources and booklets.
• Cancer Council (www.cancer.org.au) offers information about all types of cancer, booklets and fact sheets, and videos and webinars. They also have Optimal Care Pathways available to show patients what they can expect from best practice cancer care.
• For clinical trials information, visit australiancancertrials.gov.au (Australian Cancer Clinical Trials) or gicancer.org.au (Australasian Gastro-Intestinal Clinical Trials Group).

How to find support services

The best place to start is with your healthcare team. They can refer you to appropriate services based on your needs.

You can also contact Pancare’s Support Helpline to speak with a specialist Upper GI Cancer Nurse.

• You can book a 45-minute appointment on Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm (AEST/AEDT) for the cost of a local call.
• Alternatively you can call us on 1300 881 698 or simply send us an email pansupport@pancare.org.au