5 things to avoid to reduce the risk of liver cancer
Liver cancer is a significant global health concern, with hundreds of thousands diagnosed annually. Reducing your risk involves avoiding processed meats high in nitrates and saturated fats, limiting alcohol consumption, and steering clear of sugary drinks linked to fatty liver disease. Additionally, minimizing deep-fried foods and quitting tobacco use are crucial steps for liver health.
Liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. More than 800,000 people are diagnosed with this cancer each year globally, according to the American Cancer Society.
However, by making some lifestyle changes, one can reduce the risk of liver cancer. Here are five key things to avoid to lower the risk.
Processed meats
Eating processed meats like bacon, sausage, hot dogs, and deli meats is
linked
to an increased risk of liver cancer. This is because processed meats often contain nitrates, preservatives, and high levels of saturated fats, which can contribute to liver damage and inflammation over time.
The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies processed meats as a Group 1 carcinogen, due to their role in cancers, including those of the liver. To reduce risk, limit your intake of processed meat and opt for lean, unprocessed proteins, such as chicken, fish, or plant-based alternatives.
Alcohol is a toxic, psychoactive, and dependence-producing substance that has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer decades ago.
Alcohol consumption is the leading cause of liver damage, including cirrhosis, which significantly increases liver cancer risk. Long-term heavy drinking can cause irreversible harm.
WHO
notes that no level of alcohol consumption is safe for health. It doesn't matter how much you drink, the risk starts from the first drop of any alcoholic beverage.
Yes, that's right. Sugary beverages such as sodas, energy drinks, and other packaged drinks are not good for the liver. Fructose consumption is
linked
to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can increase the risk of liver cancer.
These drinks contribute to obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can progress to cirrhosis and cancer. High sugar intake promotes fat buildup in the liver, a key risk factor. To reduce this risk, limit sugary drinks and opt for water, unsweetened teas, or naturally flavored seltzers.
Ultra-processed foods, especially those deep-fried, are the real enemy of the liver. Regularly eating deep-fried foods, such as fried chicken, French fries, chips, and doughnuts, can cause liver inflammation and elevate liver cancer risk.
These foods are often high in trans fats and calories, contributing to obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can progress to cirrhosis and cancer.
Signs that all is not well with your liver
Representative image
Smoking increases the risk of all types of cancer, including liver cancer. This is because the liver breaks down the chemicals in tobacco smoke. Contact with these chemicals can lead to liver cell damage and potentially the development of liver cancer. Tobacco smoke can also cause scarring (fibrosis) of the liver, which is a known risk factor for liver cancer. Quitting smoking is the best way to reduce the risk.
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