For years, people have believed that liver cancer mainly affects those who drink too much alcohol. But doctors now say this is no longer true. Many new liver cancer patients are non-drinkers who live modern, urban lifestyles.
Dr Ninad Katdare, Consultant in Surgical Oncology at HCG ICS Khubchandani Cancer Centre in Mumbai, explained that the rise in liver cancer among non-drinkers is linked to lifestyle diseases such as obesity and diabetes. “We’re now seeing liver cancer in people who don’t drink at all — young professionals and even fitness-conscious individuals,” he said.
Myths and Facts About Liver Cancer
Myth 1: Only heavy drinkers get liver cancer
Fact: Alcohol is not the main cause anymore. The biggest reason today is Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), earlier called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This happens when too much fat builds up in the liver due to poor diet, lack of exercise, or diabetes. Studies show that nearly one in three city dwellers in India has fatty liver changes.
Myth 2: Non-drinkers are safe from liver problems
Fact: Skipping alcohol doesn’t mean your liver is healthy. People who eat unhealthy food, sit for long hours, and rarely exercise are at risk. Fatty liver disease often has no early symptoms, so regular health check-ups and liver function tests are essential, especially for those with diabetes or obesity.
Myth 3: Liver cancer gives clear warning signs
Fact: Most patients don’t notice symptoms until the disease is advanced. Common late signs include tiredness, pain in the upper abdomen, weight loss, or yellowing of the eyes (jaundice).
Myth 4: Liver cancer can’t be prevented
Fact: It can be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising at least 150 minutes a week, controlling blood sugar, avoiding processed sugar and carbs, and getting vaccinated against hepatitis B.
Dr Katdare says the liver has an amazing ability to heal if damage is caught early. The real danger, he adds, is ignoring lifestyle habits that silently harm it.
