How a Sedentary Lifestyle Is Driving Up Liver Cancer Cases: Key Insights from Hyderabad News

Hyderabad has seen a troubling increase in liver cancer cases, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a common type of primary liver cancer. Doctors report that cases have more than doubled, rising from one or two per week a few years back to about 10 to 12. HCC primarily affects individuals aged 35 and older.

Dr. Mukta Srinivasulu, director at MNJ Cancer Hospital, highlights several key causes of HCC, including cirrhosis, alcohol abuse, viral infections like hepatitis B and C, and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD). The rise in obesity and sedentary lifestyles has been a significant contributor. “The obesity epidemic is a major factor in our current cancer cases,” Dr. Srinivasulu explains, indicating that poor diet and lack of exercise lead to liver damage.

In a striking example, a 30-year-old woman weighing 167 kg underwent both bariatric surgery and a procedure for liver cancer at Osmania General Hospital (OGH). Dr. CH Madhusudhan, head of surgical gastroenterology, explains that this combined approach was crucial. “We had to address both obesity and the cancer to prevent a recurrence,” he says.

Dr. P Shravan Kumar, a gastroenterology expert at Gandhi Hospital, emphasizes the urgency of early detection. He notes that many patients arrive with advanced liver cancer, requiring effective screening methods such as ultrasound for earlier intervention. This aligns with recent findings from the National Cancer Institute, which stress that early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.

Liver cancer can also manifest in children, though this is rare. Hepatoblastoma, a type of liver cancer typically found in children under four, is often linked to genetic disorders. Dr. Madhusudhan recounts treating three young patients this year who were at serious risk due to a rare metabolic condition called tyrosinemia.

To combat liver diseases, doctors stress the importance of a healthy diet. Avoiding junk food and maintaining a balanced gut microbiome is essential for liver health. The gut microbiome plays a vital role in metabolic processes, immunity, and overall liver function.

In summary, liver cancer, particularly HCC, is on the rise in Hyderabad, driven largely by lifestyle factors. Early detection and a shift toward healthier living are crucial in reversing this alarming trend. Awareness and education are key in promoting preventative measures.



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