Oncologist warns ‘even non-drinkers are at risk’ as liver cancer rises among youth; shares causes and prevention tips

Published on: Sep 5, 2025, 20:49:51 IST

By Akanksha Agnihotri

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Dr. Mehta highlights a worrying increase in liver cancer cases among young non-drinkers.

Liver cancer cases are rising among young people, including non-drinkers. Oncologist Dr. Mehta shares causes, risk factors, and prevention tips.

Liver cancer isn't just something older adults or heavy drinkers have to worry about anymore. Even young people who don't drink are seeing a rise in cases. In a September 5 Instagram post, Dr. Sanket Mehta, oncologist, shared the reasons behind this rise and tips on how to protect yourself. (Also read: Oncologist says ‘women should prioritise regular check-ups’; shares tips to prevent breast, cervical and other cancers )

Rising liver cancer cases among young adults

Dr. Mehta warns that liver cancer isn't just a concern for older adults or heavy drinkers anymore, "Drinkers?! Did you know liver cancer is on the rise among young people, even those who don't drink alcohol?"

"According to WHO, liver cancer cases have doubled since 1990. While many are linked to viral hepatitis, nearly 16% come from unknown causes, often fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in non-alcoholics," he says.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dr. Sanket Mehta | GI Onco-Surgeon (@cancerdocsanket)

He also lists some alarming numbers:

In India, NAFLD affects 16–32% of adults, that is up to 120 million people.
Globally, NAFLD prevalence in people aged 15–39 jumped from 25% in 1990 to 38% in 2019.
A Korean study on 5 million young adults showed NAFLD raised liver cancer risk by 13%, even after adjusting for obesity and alcohol.

How to protect your liver

So, what's causing this surge? Dr. Mehta points to lifestyle and metabolic factors:

Sedentary lifestyle
Overeating and stress
Rising rates of diabetes and other metabolic disorders

But there's good news, you can take steps to protect your liver. Dr. Mehta advises:

Get routine liver tests if you have fatty liver
Stay active, eat balanced meals, manage weight and blood sugar
Watch for early warning signs like fatigue, discomfort, or mild jaundice

"Remember: liver cancer can affect non-drinkers too. Early screening can save lives," Dr. Mehta emphasises.

Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Akanksha Agnihotri
Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More

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