Liver Cancer: No Longer Just a Drinkers' Disease
Liver cancer is increasingly being recognized as a condition that goes beyond the stereotype of heavy drinkers. In India, a significant shift is occurring as homemakers, young professionals, and even lifelong teetotallers are being diagnosed with serious liver diseases. This change highlights the need to redefine our understanding of liver health.
Traditionally, alcohol consumption was seen as the primary risk for liver cancer, but today, the focus is shifting towards Metabolically Dysregulated–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), or fatty liver disease. Recent studies indicate that around 38.6% of Indian adults are affected, especially in urban areas where lifestyle changes have led to poor dietary habits, obesity, and increased physical inactivity.
The irony lies in the fact that many individuals suffering from fatty liver disease may appear healthy and thin. Visceral fat, which accumulates around internal organs, is often not visible but can lead to significant liver damage over time. Diets high in refined carbohydrates, sugary drinks, and processed foods contribute to this condition, making it a growing concern for public health.
Fatty liver disease can progress to more severe conditions such as Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), which may ultimately lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Alongside these developments, chronic Hepatitis B and C infections remain critical risk factors in the Indian context, with Hepatitis B often being transmitted from mother to child at birth.
Another lesser-known risk factor is aflatoxin, a toxin produced by molds found on poorly stored grains. In rural areas, where traditional storage methods are common, prolonged exposure to aflatoxin can damage liver DNA, creating a perfect storm for liver cancer development.
Despite the rising incidence of liver cancer, it is essential to recognize that it remains one of the most preventable cancers if risk factors are identified early. Doctors recommend practical steps like reducing the intake of sweets, sugary beverages, and ultra-processed foods. Vaccination against Hepatitis B is crucial for all family members, while regular coffee consumption has been linked to a reduced liver cancer risk.
Those with diabetes, obesity, or a family history of liver disease should undergo regular liver function tests, irrespective of alcohol consumption. The need of the hour is to change perceptions around liver disease and replace stigma with awareness. Early detection and lifestyle modifications can save lives, making education and awareness vital for better liver health in India.
