TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan has seen a twofold increase in liver cancer cases not linked to hepatitis B or C, experts said Wednesday (Oct. 30).

Liver cancer has long been a major health concern in Taiwan, consistently ranking among the top two causes of cancer-related deaths for decades, per CNA. 

While government programs have made progress in addressing hepatitis B and C, non-viral liver diseases are emerging as a significant threat, National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH) Vice Superintendent Kao Jia-Horng (高嘉宏) and the Taiwan Advancing Clinical Treatment of Liver Disease pointed out.

Patients with chronic liver disease are at significantly higher risk of developing liver cancer, according to Su Tung-hung (蘇東弘), a hepatology physician at NTUH. Su said 60% of cases are linked to hepatitis B, while 30% are associated with hepatitis C.

The remaining 10% of cases, which are increasingly common, are linked to non-viral factors like alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). These non-viral liver diseases can easily evade detection in standard liver cancer screenings.

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a range of ALD, including fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, alcoholic cirrhosis, and liver cancer. About 80-90% of drinkers develop fatty liver, characterized by the accumulation of fat in liver cells, according to Far Eastern Memorial Hospital.

This condition occurs when alcohol metabolism disrupts cellular functions, causing fat buildup. While severe cases can lead to liver enlargement, early intervention, such as quitting alcohol, can often reverse the damage, per Cleveland Clinic.

MASLD is not caused by alcohol consumption. It is often linked to metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes.

Although there is currently no cure for steatotic liver disease, lifestyle changes can significantly improve liver health. By adopting a healthy diet, limiting alcohol consumption, and increasing physical activity, many individuals can slow, halt, or even reverse the accumulation of fat in the liver.

If liver inflammation lasts for more than six months, it can be classified as chronic hepatitis, Su said. This can lead to a series of complications called the “liver disease trilogy,” including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

Su noted a concerning trend of increasing alcoholic hepatitis cases among younger individuals, particularly young women. While men remain the primary demographic, the rise in female cases is alarming.

Early-stage liver disease often goes unnoticed because the liver lacks pain receptors. Regular check-ups, including ultrasounds and blood tests, are crucial for early detection.

Blood tests can identify specific biomarkers that indicate potential liver problems. Regular check-ups can help detect abnormalities early, allowing for timely treatment.