Liver cancer has often been associated with older adults or heavy alcohol use, but doctors are now raising concerns about a worrying trend among younger people. Oncologist Dr Sanket Mehta, in an Instagram post, highlighted, “Drinkers?! Did you know liver cancer is on the rise among young people, even those who don’t drink alcohol?”
Sharing global and national statistics, he said, “According to WHO, liver cancer cases have doubled since 1990. While many are linked to viral hepatitis, nearly 16% come from unknown causes, often fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in non-alcoholics.” In India alone, NAFLD affects between 16–32% of adults — up to 120 million people. Globally, NAFLD prevalence among those aged 15–39 increased from 25% in 1990 to 38% in 2019. Dr Mehta also cited a large Korean study involving 5 million young adults, which found that NAFLD raised liver cancer risk by 13%, even after adjusting for obesity and alcohol consumption.
So what’s driving this surge? According to Dr. Mehta, it often comes down to lifestyle and metabolic health factors such as sedentary living, overeating, stress, and rising rates of diabetes. But there are also ways to reduce the risk. He advised people to “get routine liver tests if you have fatty liver, stay active, eat balanced meals, manage weight and blood sugar, and watch for early warning signs like fatigue, discomfort, or mild jaundice.” His final reminder was clear: “Remember: liver cancer can affect non-drinkers too. Early screening can save lives.”
What makes fatty liver disease (NAFLD) such a strong risk factor for liver cancer, even in non-drinkers?
Dr Bhushan Bhole, senior consultant GI Surgery and Liver Transplantation, PSRI Hospital, tells indianexpress.com, “Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as one of the leading causes of liver damage worldwide. In NAFLD, excess fat builds up in the liver, often linked to obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and a sedentary lifestyle. Over time, this fat can cause inflammation and scarring, known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Continuous liver injury and scarring increase the risk of cirrhosis, and cirrhosis is one of the strongest precursors to liver cancer. The danger is that this process occurs silently, even in people who have never consumed alcohol, which is why NAFLD is becoming a major driver of liver cancer in young populations.”
How can individuals know if they are at risk, especially if they don’t experience obvious symptoms in the early stages?
NAFLD is often called a “silent disease” because most people do not show symptoms in its early stages. Individuals who are overweight, obese, or have conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol are at higher risk.
“Even people with normal weight but poor lifestyle habits can be affected. Since symptoms may only appear when the disease is advanced, early detection relies on screening. Simple tests such as liver function blood tests, ultrasound of the liver, and routine health check-ups can help detect fatty liver early. People with a family history of liver disease should also be more vigilant,” explains Dr Bhole.
Specific habits that make the biggest difference in protecting the liver long term
According to Dr Bhole, regular physical activity, at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week, has one of the strongest protective effects. A balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting sugary drinks, fried foods, and processed snacks is crucial.
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“Maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood sugar and cholesterol, and avoiding unnecessary medications or supplements that can strain the liver are also key. Small but consistent lifestyle changes, such as reducing late-night eating, staying hydrated, and prioritising sleep, significantly reduce the long-term risk of liver disease and liver cancer,” concludes Dr Bhole.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
