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Health Conditions / Cancer / Liver Cancer

Liver Cancer

Also known asHepatocellular Carcinoma · HCC · Cancer of the Liver · Hepatitis B and Liver Cancer · 肝癌 · 原发性肝癌 · Kanser Hati

What it is

The most common liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, usually develops in a liver already scarred by cirrhosis. The main causes are chronic hepatitis B or C infection, heavy drinking and fatty liver disease linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes. Liver cancer is much more common in East and Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, where hepatitis B is common.

How food and lifestyle can help

The most important steps are hepatitis B vaccination, treatment of hepatitis B and C, limiting alcohol, keeping a healthy weight, and controlling diabetes. A mould toxin called aflatoxin, which grows on stored peanuts, corn and grains in warm, humid climates, also causes liver cancer.

Foods and nutrients to focus on

  1. A healthy weight, and a Mediterranean-style pattern: vegetables, fruit, whole grains, beans, fish and olive oil.
  2. Plain coffee: regular drinkers have a lower risk of liver cancer in studies.
  3. Nuts, grains and spices that are fresh, dry and well stored.

Foods and drinks to limit

  1. Alcohol: avoid it if you have hepatitis or cirrhosis.
  2. Mouldy or old peanuts, corn and grains, which may contain aflatoxin: throw them away, and store these foods dry and cool.
  3. Sugary drinks, fried and ultra-processed foods that add to fatty liver.

Good to know

  1. If you have hepatitis B, hepatitis C or cirrhosis, you need regular check-ups (usually an ultrasound every six months): ask your doctor.
  2. Get the hepatitis B vaccine if you are not immune.
  3. See also Fatty Liver Disease.

When to see a doctor

  1. Yellow skin or eyes, a swollen tummy, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, or pain in the upper right abdomen.
  2. You have hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis or heavy alcohol use and have not had liver checks.
  3. You are being treated for cancer: ask your cancer team before changing your diet or taking herbal products, some of which can damage the liver.

This page is general information, not medical advice. If you have a medical condition or take medicines, check changes to your diet with your doctor or a registered dietitian.

NHS — Liver cancer, used for the main facts: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/liver-cancer/

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