Fatty liver disease linked to higher cancer risk in young adults

A large-scale study involving over 4 million young adults aged 20 to 39 has identified a significant link between fatty liver disease and an increased risk of various cancers. Researchers from Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, utilizing data from the National Health Insurance Service, found that individuals with fatty liver disease face higher risks of liver cancer, as well as extrahepatic cancers such as thyroid and pancreatic cancer.

According to the findings published in the journal ‘Cancer Medicine’, men with fatty liver disease had a 1.48 times higher risk of overall cancer, while women faced a 1.23 times higher risk. Specifically, the risk of liver cancer was 2.39 times higher in men and 2.88 times higher in women. The study also noted that even non-drinkers with fatty liver disease showed elevated cancer risks.

Notably, the increased risk of liver cancer was observed in young adults with a BMI below 25 kg/m², suggesting that fatty liver is a serious health concern even in those not classified as overweight. Researchers emphasized that fatty liver should be viewed as a long-term health risk requiring comprehensive metabolic management, including monitoring blood sugar and lipid levels.