Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi:

New Delhi, Apr 24: Liver cancer, particularly Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), is fast emerging as one of India’s most pressing health challenges. Once dominated by hepatitis-linked cases, the rise in lifestyle diseases is now fueling a surge in liver cancer diagnoses, experts reveal.

Speaking to HT Lifestyle, Dr Amar Mukund, Professor and Head of Interventional Radiology at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, said, “The landscape of liver cancer has changed. While hepatitis B and C were once primary causes, lifestyle factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, and cirrhosis now significantly contribute to HCC cases.”

Echoing similar concerns, Dr Manas Saha, Interventional Radiologist at Apollo Hospitals, pointed out that increasing life expectancy has also led to a spike in HCC cases among the elderly. “With hepatitis control and vaccinations improving, the spotlight is now on alcohol-related liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as leading culprits,” he noted.

Hope, however, lies in cutting-edge medical interventions. “Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) has revolutionised how we approach liver cancer,” shared Dr Mukund. “It targets the tumour while simultaneously choking its blood supply. Balloon-occluded TACE (B-TACE) takes this precision to the next level, delivering drugs more effectively and safely.”

Dr Saha further highlighted that combining TACE with other minimally invasive techniques such as tumour ablation has yielded better outcomes, especially for patients with mid-sized tumours. “This combination therapy is proving to be a game-changer in extending patient survival and improving quality of life,” he said.

While medical innovations are promising, both doctors stressed the importance of lifestyle modifications. “Maintaining a balanced diet, reducing alcohol intake, exercising regularly, and following safe practices to avoid infections are key to preventing liver cancer,” Dr Saha advised.

As liver cancer inches closer to becoming the second most common cancer in India, experts are urging greater awareness and early screening, especially for at-risk groups. With both prevention and treatment now showing stronger promise, the battle against liver cancer is entering a hopeful new phase.