Final answer:
Hepatitis C is the illness that significantly increases the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer, especially in heavy drinkers, due to its inflammatory effects on the liver.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cirrhosis of the liver occurs when the liver becomes scarred from a variety of causes, one of which is chronic alcohol abuse. Hepatitis C is a viral infection that leads to liver inflammation and is frequently associated with long-term damage. When someone is a heavy drinker and also has Hepatitis C, their risk for developing cirrhosis and subsequent liver cancer is significantly amplified. Besides alcoholism and hepatitis, other factors may contribute to cirrhosis including autoimmune diseases, genetic conditions like iron and copper overload, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Jaundice, often a symptom of liver dysfunction, presents as a yellowing of the skin and eyes, but it is itself not a cause of liver scarring but a result of liver damage.
Hepatitis involves inflammation of the liver that can be caused by various strains of the hepatitis virus, with Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C being the most likely to develop into chronic diseases leading to cirrhosis and cancer. It's critical for those with Hepatitis C to manage their illness carefully, especially if they consume alcohol, to minimize further liver damage.