Diet Habits and Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Potential Implication for Clinical Practice

Area of Science:

• Hepatology and oncology research focusing on metabolic disease.
• Investigating the impact of diet on liver carcinogenesis.

Background:

• Metabolic disorders like obesity and MASLD are rising causes of liver cancer (HCC).
• Western dietary patterns and sedentary lifestyles contribute to the global metabolic disease epidemic.
• The role of specific dietary habits in modulating HCC risk requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the links between dietary components and HCC risk.
• To identify established and potential dietary risk factors for liver cancer.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of International Agency for Research on Cancer monographs and WCRF/AICR reports.
• PubMed database searches for systematic reviews and meta-analyses on food items and HCC.
• Analysis of dietary components, contaminants, and their association with liver cancer risk.

Main Results:

• High intake of red/processed meat, saturated fats, and high glycemic load foods correlate with increased HCC risk.
• Western diets may promote liver cancer via meta-inflammation, insulin resistance, and gut microbiota alterations.
• Increased consumption of vegetables, legumes, fruits, and whole grains may offer protective effects against HCC.

Conclusions:

• Promoting healthy dietary habits is a viable long-term strategy for reducing HCC risk.
• Patients with MASLD and without advanced fibrosis represent a key population for HCC prevention strategies.