Answer:

Drinking one cup of coffee daily can reduce the risk of chronic liver disease. This risk reduction becomes even more significant with higher consumption, reaching its peak at three to four cups per day. Coffee contains caffeine and polyphenols—antioxidants that not only give it its distinctive flavor but also help protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals, which can reduce the risk of cancer.

The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) conducted a large-scale study with nearly 500,000 participants in the U.K., tracking them for about 10 years. Of the participants, 78% consumed ground or instant coffee regularly, while 22% did not drink coffee. The study found that coffee drinkers had a 21% lower risk of developing chronic liver disease, a 20% lower risk of fatty liver, and a 49% lower risk of death from chronic liver disease compared to those who did not drink coffee.

While coffee can offer many health benefits, it is best consumed in its pure form—without added sugar, sweeteners, or flavorings. However, some people should limit their coffee intake, including those with kidney disease, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure. Middle-aged and elderly individuals, as well as those with mental health issues, heart disease, or acid reflux, should also consider moderating their coffee consumption.

Though tea and coffee can support overall health, cancer prevention requires a more comprehensive approach. This includes maintaining a healthy diet, managing stress, getting adequate rest, and having regular health checkups, especially for those at risk of liver diseases such as hepatitis B or C.

Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for several types of cancer, including liver, colorectal, uterine, and breast cancer. Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which in turn lowers the risk of liver cancer. Additionally, limiting or avoiding alcohol is essential, as it is a leading cause of liver damage, cirrhosis, and an increased risk of liver cancer.

In the early stages, liver cancer often shows no clear symptoms. Patients may experience persistent fatigue, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, or dull pain in the upper right abdomen. In some cases, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) or mild, unexplained fever may appear. These symptoms are non-specific and can be mistaken for other liver conditions like hepatitis or cirrhosis, which may lead to a late-stage diagnosis when cancer is harder to treat.

It is important for individuals, especially those at high risk, to undergo routine liver cancer screenings. This group includes people with hepatitis B or C, those who drink alcohol regularly, individuals with a family history of liver cancer or cirrhosis, people with fatty liver, those who are obese, or smokers. Doctors may recommend liver ultrasounds, AFP tests (which measure AFP levels for liver cancer diagnosis), and other necessary tests for early detection.

Dr. Nguyen Duc Luan

Oncology Department, Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi