Liver cancer advice, especially when it comes to prevention and risk, can be a maze of misinformation. From thinking only viral hepatitis matters to underestimating obesity's role, myths spread easily online and can delay real prevention. So, what’s backed by science? In this article, we tackle seven persistent myths about liver cancer so you can make informed decisions for your long-term health.
Myth 1. Only people with hepatitis B or C are at risk of liver cancer
Hepatitis B and C are well-established drivers of liver cancer risk, but they are by no means the only factors involved. Other conditions, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and obesity, play important roles, while excessive alcohol consumption and smoking also increase risk1.
Genetic factors contribute to the emergence of many cancer types, including liver cancers, which are known to run in families. The most significant risk factor for liver cancer is advanced age1.
The myth that only hepatitis infection contributes to liver cancer risk can be harmful, as it may give some people a false sense of security. It may discourage people from raising symptoms or concerns with healthcare professionals, leading to delayed diagnosis and reduced survival2.
Myth 2. Fatty liver disease is harmless and doesn’t increase cancer risk
A common myth is that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is harmless and has no link to the development of liver cancer. However, NAFLD can progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and eventually to liver cancer. Fatty liver disease is not harmless, and individuals with this condition should discuss monitoring options or lifestyle changes with their doctor3.
Many cases of liver cancer now arise from metabolic syndrome-related causes, not viruses. Around 20 per cent of UK adults have NAFLD, underscoring the importance of understanding your liver health early so you can make changes to slow disease progression and lower your risk of liver cancer4.
Myth 3. Vaccination has no role in preventing liver cancer
Hepatitis infections are a significant risk factor for developing liver cancer. Thus, getting vaccinated to prevent infection can significantly lower liver cancer risk5.
Hepatitis B vaccination is routinely given in childhood immunisation programmes. Although the risk of hepatitis B is lower in the UK than in many other countries, it is still important to discuss any concerns with your doctor, especially if you believe you are at higher risk6.
The hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective for infants, children, and adults and is typically administered in two to three doses6.
Myth 4. Liver cancer risk has nothing to do with obesity or diabetes
Another common myth is that obesity and diabetes have no impact on liver cancer risk, yet both are strongly linked to the disease1.
There are several proposed mechanisms linking these conditions to liver cancer. Chronic inflammation, often seen in type 2 diabetes and obesity, is linked to cancer development. Fat accumulation in the liver, frequently found in people with obesity, is another major contributor7.
It’s important to keep in mind that there is significant overlap between NAFLD, metabolic syndromes like diabetes, and increased cancer risk8. Managing weight and blood sugar levels can therefore play an important role in reducing liver cancer risk. Speaking with your healthcare provider is the best way to understand and manage your personal risk.
Myth 5. Once cirrhosis develops, cancer is inevitable
So far, we’ve looked at myths that can lead people to underestimate their risk of liver cancer. However, some myths have the opposite effect, causing people to overestimate their risk and experience unnecessary stress and worry. One such myth is that all people with liver cirrhosis will develop cancer.
In reality, not all people with liver cirrhosis will develop cancer9. However, it’s important to recognise that cirrhosis does raise liver cancer risk. This means that more regular screening, using methods like MRI scans, may be beneficial.
Once cirrhosis develops, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about monitoring options and lifestyle changes that may help lower your risk of cancer.
Myth 6. Stopping alcohol use immediately eliminates your liver cancer risk
Making healthier lifestyle choices is an important way to combat liver cancer risk, especially for individuals in higher-risk categories. However, you may have heard that stopping alcohol immediately reduces liver cancer risk to zero. While cutting back is important, it does not eliminate risk.
The reality is that liver damage and associated cancer risk can persist for many years after reducing or stopping alcohol intake10. This myth is dangerous because it may give at-risk individuals a false sense of security, leading them to skip regular screening and increasing the likelihood that cancer is missed at an early stage.
Former heavy drinkers, even after many years without alcohol, can benefit from discussing liver monitoring options with their healthcare provider.
Myth 7. Environmental toxins don’t play a role in liver cancer
While many people know that smoking and excessive alcohol use increase liver cancer risk, they may be unaware of other toxic compounds they could be exposed to unknowingly.
Aflatoxins, industrial solvents, and some agricultural chemical pesticides can also increase liver cancer risk11. Aflatoxins are found in foods like mouldy peanuts, wheat, corn, and rice and contribute to liver cancer incidence in Asia and Africa12.
The risk from these compounds varies greatly depending on where you live and the type of work you do, but following workplace safety standards and staying aware of environmental health risks can help reduce accidental exposure and lower cancer risk.
Summary - 7 Common Myths About Liver Cancer - Debunked
Liver cancer myths can create confusion and delay action, but the science is clear:
- Many factors beyond hepatitis contribute to liver cancer risk.
- Obesity, diabetes, alcohol, and toxins all play a role.
- Vaccination and lifestyle changes can lower liver cancer risk
- Cirrhosis or past alcohol use don’t make cancer inevitable, but they do mean that closer monitoring is important.
Above all, early detection through regular screening remains the most effective way to improve survival and protect long-term liver health.
If you’re looking to get proactive, consider an Ezra MRI Scan with Spine. It screens for potential cancers in up to 14 organs, including the liver, and can give you peace of mind in just under an hour. Don’t wait for symptoms; get ahead of them.
