4 Health Conditions That Could Increase Your Liver Cancer Risk

Liver cancer is a serious disease that has many possible risk factors contributing to its development, such as age and alcohol use. However, liver cancer can also develop from other underlying health conditions, some of which may be preventable. A few common health conditions that could have an impact on your liver cancer risk include obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, diabetes and cirrhosis.

Liver cancer is a serious disease that has many possible risk factors contributing to its development, such as age and alcohol use. However, liver cancer can also develop from other underlying health conditions, some of which may be preventable. A few common health conditions that could have an impact on your liver cancer risk include obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, diabetes and cirrhosis.

Learn more: Cirrhosis and Primary Liver Cancer: How Chronic Liver Damage Increases Cancer Risk

MASLD, previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the leading causes of liver cancer worldwide. It occurs when excess fat accumulates in the liver, with little to no influence of alcohol. Over time and without intervention, MASLD can progress to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), an advanced form of MASLD, which causes inflammation, damage and injury to the cells of the liver over time. This can lead to cirrhosis, thereby increasing the risk of developing liver cancer. MASLD and MASH may be preventable by eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight.

People with diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, are more likely to develop liver cancer compared to non-diabetics. In a healthy human body, a hormone called insulin is produced and used to regulate blood sugar or glucose levels. In a diabetic body, the ability to produce or effectively use insulin is impaired. This causes hyperglycemia, a condition where blood glucose levels rise too high. This can lead to many other problems and damage to other organs in the body, including the liver. When the liver is affected, the damage caused by diabetes can lead to chronic inflammation, MASLD, MASH and cirrhosis, which in turn increases the risk of liver cancer.

Obesity has been correlated with an increased risk of primary liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Excess body fat can lead to chronic inflammation, causing tissue damage and scarring, impeding liver function and increasing liver cancer risk. Obesity is also closely associated with conditions such as type 2 diabetes and MASLD.

Liver cancer often develops without any symptoms in the early stages, making early detection and risk awareness and reduction crucial. Health conditions like obesity, MASLD and diabetes can significantly increase your liver cancer risk. Fortunately, some of these conditions are preventable or manageable. By being aware of and addressing these risk factors, it is possible to improve your liver health and lower your chances of developing liver cancer.

For people with at-risk conditions for liver cancer, mainly those with cirrhosis or a chronic HBV infection, some doctors may recommend liver cancer screening with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) blood tests and an ultrasound exam every 6 months. However, this would depend on individual health, existing liver cancer risk factors and local guidelines on liver cancer screening.