{
  "id": 14242436,
  "title": "Liver cancer awareness month: 5 lesser-known habits that may increase risk, doctor explains",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/liver-cancer-awareness-month-5-lesser-known-habits-that-may-increase",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-13T16:35:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Live Mint",
    "slug": "live-mint",
    "url": "https://www.livemint.com/news/trends/liver-cancer-awareness-month-5-lesser-known-habits-that-may-increase-risk-doctor-explains-11791897527055.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "October is designated as Liver Cancer Awareness Month, prompting medical professionals to emphasize the significance of liver health and early detection. While alcohol consumption is often linked to liver cancer, numerous other unnoticed factors can heighten the risk for even healthy individuals. Dr. Bappaditya Har, a gastrointestinal oncology specialist at Narayana RN Tagore Hospital in Kolkata, reveals how seemingly insignificant habits can increase the chances of developing severe liver illnesses and cancer. Viral infections like hepatitis B and C frequently exhibit no early symptoms. Due to their silent progression, at-risk individuals must undergo regular screenings and blood tests to ensure early detection and prevent serious liver damage. One overlooked preventative measure is the Hepatitis B vaccine, which Dr. Har notes many individuals overlook because they underestimate the severity of the infection compared to other diseases like HIV. Lifestyle choices, beyond alcohol abuse, also play a crucial role in liver health. Modern sedentary lifestyles and improper nutrition have led to a rise in obesity and type 2 diabetes, both of which can directly impact the liver by causing chronic inflammation. This inflammation can elevate any individual's risk of liver cancer. While heavy drinking is a well-known danger, even moderate consumption can be harmful. Dr. Har warns that regular use of alcohol, regardless of the quantity, can poison the liver and lead to cirrhosis, a significant precursor to liver cancer. For patients already diagnosed with liver conditions, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis, continuous medical supervision is essential. Dr. Har stresses that people with chronic liver diseases or long-term consequences of hepatitis infections need regular check-ups and surveillance to prevent complications, including liver cancer. This article, intended for informational purposes, should not be considered professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any medical concerns.",
  "summary": "Liver cancer risk extends beyond alcohol consumption. Doctors highlight five overlooked factors, including missed hepatitis tests, skipping hepatitis B vaccination, uncontrolled weight and diabetes, regular alcohol intake and untreated liver disease, that can damage liver health.",
  "key_points": [
    "Hepatitis B and C infections often have no early symptoms, requiring regular screenings.",
    "Hepatitis B vaccine is an overlooked preventative measure for liver cancer risk.",
    "Sedentary lifestyles and improper nutrition increase liver inflammation, raising cancer risk."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}