Sugary Drinks Identified as Major Risk Factor Behind Rising Liver Cancer Cases, Study Finds

Islamabad – A new study has identified the excessive consumption of sugary beverages as a key contributing factor behind the rising global incidence of liver cancer, a disease that has seen a significant increase in recent years.

Liver cancer is currently the sixth most common type of cancer and ranks fourth in terms of cancer-related deaths worldwide. According to medical data, cases have increased by 25 to 30 percent over the past two decades.

The study, published in the JAMA Network, analyzed dietary data from more than 1.5 million individuals gathered from 11 different research studies. Researchers examined whether sugar-sweetened or artificially sweetened beverages increase the risk of developing liver cancer.

Participants provided dietary information through questionnaires, and cancer cases were tracked over an 18-year period. The findings showed that frequent consumption of sugary drinks such as sodas and soft drinks significantly increases the risk of developing two major types of liver cancer.

However, the study found no significant increase in liver cancer risk associated with artificially sweetened beverages.

Researchers noted that while the study does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, the findings support growing evidence linking sugary drinks to long-term health risks.

Previous research from the University of California, published in January 2025, also highlighted the role of dietary habits in liver health. It found that fatty liver disease caused by poor diet can lead to chronic inflammation, liver damage, and in many cases progress to liver cancer or liver failure.

Scientists explained that the body has a natural protective mechanism called cellular senescence, which prevents damaged cells from dividing uncontrollably. However, this mechanism can be disrupted by high-fat and high-sugar diets, leading to fat accumulation in the liver.

Researchers compared the impact of junk food on the liver to the harmful effects of smoking, stating that excessive consumption of unhealthy foods can damage liver DNA and significantly increase cancer risk.

Experts recommend reducing intake of sugary and fatty foods, adopting a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity to lower the risk of liver disease and cancer.