In this blog, we will explore the myths and facts about liver cancer. Let’s debunk some of these myths!
Myth #1: Drinking alcohol is the only way to get liver cancer.
Drinking alcohol increases the risk of liver cancer, but it is not the only cause of liver disease. Individuals who abstain from alcohol can also develop liver cancer.
Myth #2: Liver disease stays in the liver.
Liver cancer can stay in the liver; however, if it progresses far enough, it can spread to different areas. This cancer has the capability of spreading to the breast, esophagus, pancreas, stomach, kidneys, or lungs.
Myth #3: No symptoms means no cancer!
Liver cancer is often referred to as one of the “silent killers” because many people do not notice early symptoms, or symptoms may not appear at all. Just because there are no symptoms does not mean the disease is absent. Therefore, doctors encourage individuals to get regular check-ups.
Myth #4: A fatty liver is completely harmless!
Fatty Liver Disease can develop into a serious liver condition or cancer. It is crucial to take this condition as seriously as one would cancer. It is definitely not harmless and should be treated with utmost importance!
Myth #5: The enzymes in my liver are perfect, which means I’m right as rain.
Having normal liver enzymes does not automatically rule out the absence of liver cancer. It is important to understand that liver enzyme levels can fluctuate for many reasons, and a normal enzyme count does not rule out the possibility of cancerous conditions in the liver.
“One study found that patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and a normal ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) had no significant difference in inflammation, ballooning, or fibrosis on liver biopsy when compared with patients with elevated ALT.” – Cite
Myth #6: I should avoid having protein because it worsens liver cancer.
Protein is essential for your body to combat diseased cells; in fact, suddenly limiting protein in your diet could lead to worse side effects.
Key Takeaways:
Liver cancer is often clouded by misconceptions. In this blog, we’ll clarify common myths and provide accurate information to help you understand the realities of this condition.
Sources used:
Zurabi Lominadze, Eric R Kallwitz. (2018, November 6) Misconception: You Can’t Have Liver Disease With Normal Liver Chemistries. Retrieved from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6385914/
Syed A. Gardezi, Mohammed Al Jawad, Muhammed Yossof Albahrani. (2025, November 14) Breaking the silence on liver myths: a call for evidence-based practice. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S147021182500243X
