Lifestyle and Hepatocellular Carcinoma What Is the Evidence and Prevention Recommendations

Simple Summary The increasing public health burden of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) emphasizes the importance of defining important modifiable risk factors. In the following review, we will discuss the evidence for the relation of major lifestyle risk factors, mostly from large population-based studies. Generally, it is has been shown that healthy lifestyle habits, including minimizing obesity, eating a healthy diet, avoidance of smoking and alcohol, and increasing physical activity, have the potential to prevent HCC. Dietary composition is important beyond obesity. Consumption of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, as well as fish and poultry, vegetables and fiber, are inversely associated with HCC, while red meat, saturated fat, cholesterol and sugar are related to increased risk. Data from multiple studies clearly show a beneficial effect for physical activity in reducing the risk of HCC. Smoking and alcohol can lead to liver fibrosis and liver cancer and jointly lead to an even greater risk. The increasing burden of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) emphasizes the unmet need for primary prevention. Lifestyle measures appear to be important modifiable risk factors for HCC regardless of its etiology. Lifestyle patterns, as a whole and each component separately, are related to HCC risk. Dietary composition is important beyond obesity. Consumption of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, as well as fish and poultry, are inversely associated with HCC, while red meat, saturated fat, and cholesterol are related to increased risk. Sugar consumption is associated with HCC risk, while fiber and vegetable intake is protective. Data from multiple studies clearly show a beneficial effect for physical activity in reducing the risk of HCC. However, the duration, mode and intensity of physical activity needed are yet to be determined. There is evidence that smoking can lead to liver fibrosis and liver cancer and has a synergistic effect with alcohol drinking. On the other hand, an excessive amount of alcohol by itself has been associated with increased risk of HCC directly (carcinogenic effect) or indirectly (liver fibrosis and cirrhosis progression. Large-scale intervention studies testing the effect of comprehensive lifestyle interventions on HCC prevention among diverse cohorts of liver disease patients are greatly warranted.

Automated summary

This review emphasizes the importance of defining modifiable risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and suggests that healthy lifestyle habits, such as maintaining a healthy weight, following a healthy diet, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and engaging in physical activity, can potentially prevent HCC. The composition of the diet, including the consumption of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, fish, poultry, vegetables, and fiber, is also important in reducing HCC risk. On the other hand, the consumption of red meat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sugar is associated with an increased risk of HCC. Multiple studies support the beneficial effect of physical activity in reducing HCC risk. Smoking and alcohol consumption can lead to liver fibrosis and liver cancer, and their combined use further increases the risk. Therefore, comprehensive lifestyle interventions targeting diverse cohorts of liver disease patients are needed to prevent HCC.