Final answer:
The predominant cause of cirrhosis in the western hemisphere is alcoholism, along with other factors such as viral hepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease contributing to the condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The predominant etiology for cirrhosis of the liver in the western hemisphere is alcoholism. Cirrhosis is a condition characterized by the formation of fibrous tissue in the liver, replacing dead liver cells, which can be caused by a variety of factors. Among the most common causes are excessive alcohol intake, viral hepatitis (such as hepatitis B or C), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Other etiologies such as autoimmune diseases, genetic disorders like hemochromatosis (an iron overload disorder), primary sclerosing cholangitis (an inflammatory disease of the bile ducts), and hepatocellular carcinoma can also lead to cirrhosis.