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Drinking coffee may fight liver disease

Category: Cancer Detection and Tumor Markers

A new review of 16 studies has found that drinking coffee daily may greatly reduce the risk of liver cancer. According to the review, those who regularly drink coffee may have rates of liver cancer that are up to 40 percent lower than the rest of the population, while those who drink more coffee have an even lower risk.

Coffee and liver cancer
The review, published in the Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology journal, analyzed data from more than 3,200 patients. The study found that coffee was good for overall health, and especially in terms of fighting liver cancer. The research even suggested the possibility that drinking three or more cups of coffee per day could reduce the risk of liver cancer by a further 10 percent lower than the general population.

"Our research confirms past claims that coffee is good for your health, and particularly the liver. The favorable effect of coffee on liver cancer might be mediated by coffee's proven prevention of diabetes, a known risk factor for the disease, or for its beneficial effects on cirrhosis and liver enzymes," said study author Carlo La Vecchia, M.D.

The results of the study were not conclusive, since it was difficult to determine if those who had digestive issues would be less likely to drink coffee in general. However, the research still showed a strong connection between coffee and health, especially in terms of liver cancer, according to the lab tests analyzed.

Causes of liver cancer
Liver cancer, like many other cancers, has certain causes that remain unknown or are tied to genetics. However, the Mayo Clinic noted that sexually transmitted diseases can cause certain cases of liver cancer. Hepatitis B and C can cause this type of cancer if left untreated, so those who may have these diseases may want to consider STD testing.

Obesity, alcohol consumption and smoking have also been tied to this type of cancer as risk factors. A lab test online can show certain cancer tumor markers that can allow for treatment to begin in fighting this disease, which is ranked as the ninth most common cause of death in the U.S. Treatments for the disease can include removing the affected parts of the liver, chemotherapy and freezing the cancer cells.