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Majority of doctors agree that processed foods pose the greatest risk when it comes to liver cancer. Many young people have made processed food a staple in their daily diet
The biggest culprit behind liver cancer is fatty liver disease . (News18 Hindi)
Liver cancer cases are increasing across the country, affecting individuals across age groups, whether 50, 40, or even 30. Many people still assume that liver cancer only occurs after the age of 40–50. However, doctors have warned against this misconception, asserting that liver cancer can occur even at the age of 20, and this is indeed happening.
Often, the condition begins with seemingly minor ailments that gradually develop into liver cancer. People tend to overlook obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease, considering them trivial. But these illnesses can ultimately lead to liver cancer.
Main Villain
According to a report in Hindustan Times, Dr Praveen Keshav, Senior Consultant at Gokulam Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, stated that the biggest culprit behind liver cancer is fatty liver disease. Alarmingly, one in every four people in the country suffers from it.
Fatty liver disease is now being detected in adolescents, making it a major cause of concern. If it is not addressed in time, cases of liver cancer in individuals as young as 20 could become increasingly common. Dr Praveen emphasised that although liver cancer is extremely dangerous, it is also preventable. Regular medical check-ups, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and early medical intervention can significantly reduce the risk of developing liver cancer.
Habits To Blame
Dr Jignesh Reddy, Interventional Radiologist at AIG Hospital, Hyderabad, explained that liver cancer cases among young people are on the rise. The primary reason is poor lifestyle choices. Many youngsters have made processed food a staple in their daily diet. This, over time, impairs liver function, often so gradually that it goes unnoticed. In South India, the use of processed rice has increased significantly. Combined with the region’s humid climate and diets high in fructose, this contributes to metabolic liver disease, which in turn raises the risk of liver cancer.
What To Avoid?
Majority doctors agree that processed foods are the biggest threat when it comes to liver cancer. To keep your liver healthy you need to find out what exactly qualifies as processed food?
Any natural ingredient that has been altered using chemicals or industrial methods falls under this category. For example, while grains cooked in their natural form are healthy, converting them into refined flour, like maida, makes them processed.
Most packaged food items available in the market fall into this category. Anything made from refined flour, or chemically treated, is considered processed, including refined oil, alcohol, cakes, pastries, snacks, chips, bhujia, namkeen, cereals, cheese, butter, and bread. The further you stay from such items, the safer you are from the risk of cancer.
