How Obesity Increases the Risk of Liver Cancer

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified obesity as a global epidemic, with obesity-related health concerns rising at an alarming rate in almost all parts of the world, especially thriving economies such as India. While heart disease and diabetes have long been associated with obesity, recent studies have shown that obesity has a direct impact on liver health and increases the risk of liver cancer, especially hepatocellular carcinoma. In this blog, we’ll explore the relationship between obesity and liver cancer, based on the findings of recent studies and the underlying science, and its broader implications on public health.

What We Know So Far

A recent study headed by Dr. Peter Campbell from the American Cancer Society suggests that being overweight increases the risk of liver cancer. The study revealed that diabetes, obesity, and a high body mass index can increase the chances of liver cancer. The study examined the data of 1.57 million adults to see if there was a relationship between type-2 diabetes and liver cancer. Here are the key findings:

• Compared to people with a normal Body Mass Index (BMI), obese people had much higher risks of developing liver cancers.
• Similarly, increasing waist circumference raised the risk of liver cancer. Presence of DM more than doubled the risk of liver tumour, even adjusting for other possible causes (166%).

How Obesity Impacts Liver Health

The liver plays a pivotal role in various metabolic processes, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and fat breakdown. Its functioning, therefore, is closely linked to a person’s overall well-being and metabolic health. 

A common liver condition associated with obesity is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), characterised by an excessive accumulation of fat in liver cells, which can lead to liver inflammation and damage it over time. If NAFLD is left untreated, it can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a more severe form of the condition marked by significant liver inflammation. 

Chronic inflammation and continuous stress on the liver can eventually lead to fibrosis, which basically means thickening or scarring of the liver tissue. Advanced fibrosis can progress to cirrhosis, a stage where the liver's functionality is severely compromised. This progression, combined with the metabolic challenges posed by obesity, significantly increases the risk of liver cancer.

Moreover, excessive fat in the body, especially visceral fat surrounding internal organs, secretes pro-inflammatory substances such as cytokines and chemokines that can harm liver cells. If left untreated, the condition can lead to insulin resistance. 

Reducing the Risk of Liver Cancer

The doctor says as the study showed; liver cancer isn’t only related to excess alcohol intake and viral hepatitis infection; obesity can be a key factor as well. By changing your diet, exercising regularly, and staying fit, you can lower your chances of diabetes and obesity, and subsequently, reduce your risk of liver cancer.

These results are important as type-2 diabetes and obesity are extremely common; over 5% of Indians are morbidly obese and as many as 50 million suffer from type-2 diabetes. While other risk factors such as hepatitis B or hepatitis C can also increase the risk of liver cancer, these are both much less common than obesity and diabetes.

Peter Campbell says “Along with reducing known risks—excess alcohol consumption and hepatitis infection—maintaining a healthy body weight, eating healthy, and staying physically active to reduce the risk of diabetes may be important preventive strategies to reduce the risk of liver cancer.”

Medical Screening & Early Detection

Regular medical check-ups and screenings play a vital role in the early detection and management of liver cancer, especially for individuals at risk due to factors like obesity. 

During medical check-ups, the doctor assesses an individual's risk factors, including obesity, family history, and liver health. Identifying these risk factors allows for a more proactive approach to monitoring and prevention.

Regular check-ups may include liver function tests, imaging studies, and other diagnostic tests that can detect liver diseases and abnormalities. These tests can help identify liver conditions such as cirrhosis or fatty liver disease, which are risk factors for liver cancer. 

For individuals with known risk factors like obesity, ongoing monitoring can help track any changes in liver health. This can guide healthcare providers in making recommendations for lifestyle changes or medical interventions to mitigate the risk of liver cancer.

Early Signs of Liver Dysfunction

While regular check-ups are essential, individuals should also be vigilant about any potential warning signs, such as:

• Unexplained Weight Loss: Sudden and unexplained weight loss can be an early symptom of liver cancer. It is important to investigate any significant weight changes.
• Abdominal Pain or Discomfort: Persistent pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, particularly on the right side, can be indicative of liver problems, including liver cancer.
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) can occur as a result of liver dysfunction. It is a noticeable sign that should be promptly evaluated.
• Swelling or Enlargement of the Abdomen: Liver cancer can cause fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites), leading to abdominal swelling.
• Loss of Appetite and Fatigue: These non-specific symptoms may accompany liver cancer and should not be ignored, especially when combined with other warning signs.
• Unusual Changes in Bowel Movements: Changes in bowel movements, such as pale-coloured stools or dark urine, can indicate liver problems.
• General Symptoms: General symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and weakness can also be associated with liver cancer, although they are not unique to the disease.

Prevention Through Awareness and Action

By taking control of your daily habits, from what you eat to how much you exercise, you can shape a healthier future. Staying fit not only reduces the risk of liver disorders but also helps ensure that liver cancer doesn’t affect your future. Should you ever find yourself in need, seeking the best liver cancer treatment is crucial. India, in particular, boasts some of the best liver cancer hospitals such as Max, and has renowned liver cancer specialists who are at the forefront of medical advancements in this field.

Book an appointment with the best cancer specialist in Delhi.