Liver Cancer: Understanding the Causes

Liver cancer typically develops due to a combination of factors, including genetic predispositions, underlying liver conditions, lifestyle choices, and long-term exposure to carcinogens. Below are the key contributing factors:

Genetic Predisposition Increases Risk

Family history plays a significant role in the likelihood of developing liver cancer. Individuals with close relatives who have had liver cancer may have a higher risk due to inherited genetic traits that make them more susceptible to the disease.

Chronic Liver Diseases as a Major Contributor

In China, 70% to 80% of liver cancer cases develop from chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis B and cirrhosis. Hepatitis B, especially in its chronic form, is a leading cause of liver cancer in this region. In contrast, hepatitis C is more prevalent in Western countries and is a major risk factor for liver cancer among populations in Europe and the United States.

Lifestyle and Dietary Habits Play a Role

Excessive alcohol consumption over a long period can lead to alcoholic liver disease, which significantly increases the risk of liver cancer. In modern society, with faster-paced lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become increasingly common. When fat accumulates in the liver and causes inflammation—known as steatohepatitis—the liver attempts to repair itself through regeneration, which can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and eventually liver cancer.

Exposure to Carcinogens Can Trigger Liver Cancer

Consuming moldy or contaminated foods, such as peanuts tainted with aflatoxins, is another major risk factor. Aflatoxins are potent carcinogens that have been strongly linked to the development of liver cancer, especially in regions with poor food storage practices.