Liver cancer is a major public health concern, especially in countries like Vietnam, where it ranks among the top three cancers in both incidence and mortality, according to 2022 data from Globocan. While factors like hepatitis infections and genetics play a role, certain daily habits can also increase your risk — often without you realizing it.

Dr. Luu Thao Ngoc, an oncologist at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, outlines four common lifestyle choices that can significantly impact liver health and potentially lead to liver cancer over time.

1. Eating Moldy Food

Grains such as rice, peanuts, corn, and beans can easily develop mold when stored improperly. These molds often produce aflatoxins, which are highly carcinogenic. Alarmingly, aflatoxins are heat-resistant, meaning cooking does not eliminate them.

Consuming moldy grains can lead to liver inflammation, cirrhosis, and eventually cancer. Dr. Ngoc urges people to store food in cool, dry conditions and to immediately discard anything that smells odd or appears discolored.

2. Frequent Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol is a well-known liver toxin. When processed by the liver, alcohol breaks down into acetaldehyde, a compound that damages liver cells and can alter DNA, increasing cancer risk.

Chronic alcohol use not only causes fatty liver and cirrhosis, but also weakens the liver’s ability to regenerate. Individuals with existing conditions such as hepatitis B or C are at even greater risk.

Dr. Ngoc advises limiting alcohol intake and avoiding it altogether if you have preexisting liver disease.

3. Reusing Cooking Oil

Reheating and reusing oil — a common practice in many kitchens — can produce harmful chemicals such as acrolein, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and aldehydes. These compounds are known to cause cell mutations and are linked to various cancers, including liver cancer.

Dr. Ngoc recommends using cooking oil only once or twice and reducing the overall consumption of fried foods. Healthier cooking methods like boiling, steaming, or grilling with minimal oil are much safer alternatives.

4. Overusing Medications and Supplements

Excessive use of over-the-counter painkillers, fever reducers, antibiotics, herbal remedies, or unapproved dietary supplements can lead to drug-induced liver damage. In some cases, this damage progresses to liver failure or sets the stage for cancer development.

Only take medications as prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider and avoid unverified supplements. Dr. Ngoc stresses the importance of consulting a doctor before starting any new treatment or supplement.

Final Thoughts: Prevention and Early Detection

Liver cancer often develops silently, with symptoms appearing only at advanced stages. Dr. Ngoc advises regular medical checkups, especially for high-risk individuals — such as those with hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis, or a family history of liver disease.

She also recommends getting vaccinated against hepatitis B and adopting liver-friendly habits, which can significantly reduce your long-term risk.

By making small but conscious changes to daily routines, you can help protect your liver and reduce the chances of developing this serious disease.