Liver Cancer Risk Rises With Sugary Drink Intake, 18-Year Study Reveals

A major new study involving more than 1.5 million adults has found that regularly consuming sugar-sweetened beverages may be associated with a higher risk of developing liver cancer. The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, add to growing evidence that sugary drinks can have long-term effects on health beyond obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Researchers analysed dietary and health data collected from 11 large prospective studies across the United States. Participants completed food frequency questionnaires and were followed for an average of nearly 18 years through cancer registries and health surveys. The goal was to determine whether consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages or artificially sweetened beverages influenced the risk of liver cancer.Also

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Sugary drinks linked to two major types of liver cancer

The study found that higher intake of sugar-sweetened beverages was associated with an increased risk of two major liver cancer subtypes:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer
• Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a cancer that develops in the bile ducts within the liver

Researchers observed that people who consumed higher amounts of sugary beverages were more likely to develop these cancers compared with those who drank them less frequently. In contrast, the study found no significant association between artificially sweetened beverages and overall liver cancer risk or either of the two cancer subtypes.

Why might sugary drinks affect your liver health?

Although the study does not prove that sugary drinks directly cause liver cancer, experts say several biological mechanisms may explain the association. Sugar-sweetened beverages are often high in added sugars, particularly fructose. Excessive fructose consumption has been linked to:

• Fat accumulation in the liver
• Insulin resistance
• Chronic inflammation
• Obesity and metabolic syndrome
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Over time, these conditions can damage liver cells and increase the likelihood of developing liver cancer. Previous research has already shown that excessive intake of sugary beverages contributes to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The latest findings suggest liver cancer may be another potential long-term health concern.

What counts as a sugar-sweetened beverage?

Sugar-sweetened beverages include:

• Regular soft drinks and sodas
• Sweetened fruit drinks
• Energy drinks
• Sports drinks
• Sweetened iced teas
• Other beverages containing added sugars

Health experts recommend limiting these drinks and choosing healthier alternatives such as water, unsweetened tea, sparkling water, or naturally flavoured beverages.

Reducing your risk

Liver cancer rates have been increasing globally, making prevention strategies increasingly important. While factors such as chronic hepatitis infections, alcohol use, obesity, and smoking remain major risk factors, dietary habits also play a crucial role. To support liver health, experts recommend limiting sugary beverages and processed foods, maintaining a healthy body weight, exercising regularly, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, getting vaccinated against hepatitis B, and managing diabetes and metabolic conditions. The new study, led by researcher Cody Watling of the National Cancer Institute, suggests that regularly drinking sugar-sweetened beverages may be linked to a higher risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. While more research is needed to establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, the findings provide another compelling reason to reduce sugary drink consumption and adopt healthier dietary habits for long-term liver health.