"The Drunkard" Lu Zhishen from "Water Margin," a character known for his great love of wine, spent his life feasting on large chunks of meat and drinking heartily. He once said, "With one part of wine, I have one part of ability; with ten parts of wine, I have ten parts of strength." Lu Zhishen enjoyed drinking, and once he got drunk, he would go on a rampage that dozens of people could not restrain. Many people drink for the sake of this kind of boldness, but excessive drinking is harmful to health.
Liver cancer ranks as the second most common cancer among men in China, second only to lung cancer. China also has the highest incidence and mortality rates for liver cancer globally. Liver cancer is the third most common malignant tumor in the country in terms of incidence and the second in terms of mortality, with high rates in the southeastern coastal areas. Experts believe that hepatitis B and alcohol are the two main causes of liver cancer. In unavoidable situations, weekly alcohol consumption should not exceed 150 grams. Drinking more fresh milk and eating fresh fruits can also reduce the risk of developing liver cancer.
Over 50% of liver cancer cases are caused by excessive drinking
Statistics show that China accounts for 55% of new liver cancer cases and 45% of deaths globally, making it the country with the highest incidence of liver cancer in the world. Experts point out that the high incidence of liver cancer in China is most closely related to hepatitis B. Over 95% of liver cancer patients in China are related to hepatitis B, and the high prevalence of hepatitis B leads to a high incidence of viral liver cancer.
Furthermore, numerous studies have shown that approximately 58% of liver cancers are caused by drinking, indicating a close link between alcohol consumption and liver cancer. After alcohol enters the body, it is metabolized entirely by the liver. The average human body can metabolize 10ml of strong alcohol per hour; exceeding this amount can cause damage to liver function. In the process of metabolizing alcohol, the liver produces substances such as oxidants, superoxides, and free radicals that the body cannot completely eliminate, and these substances are highly toxic to the human body.
If a person drinks long-term or excessively, especially frequently strong liquor, it can cause liver cells to repeatedly undergo fatty degeneration, necrosis, and regeneration, leading to cirrhosis and ultimately developing into liver cancer. Alcohol is also a major cause of alcoholic liver diseases such as fatty liver and cirrhosis, with the rate of cirrhosis progressing to liver cancer as high as 70%.
To prevent liver cancer, limit weekly alcohol intake to no more than 150 grams
Experts note that liver cancer is difficult to detect early. This is because the liver itself has a strong compensatory capacity, and only when about 70-80% of the liver is damaged will obvious symptoms of hypoglycemia appear, such as dizziness, fatigue, and excessive sweating. Liver cancer is highly malignant and progresses rapidly, and by the time symptoms appear and a patient seeks medical attention, the disease is often already in the middle or late stages.
Hepatitis B carriers are a high-risk group for liver cancer, with a risk of developing the disease 100 times higher than the general population. Therefore, it is recommended that they have an ultrasound and a blood test every six months to monitor for possible cirrhosis or cancerous changes. If liver cancer is detected early, the risk of partial liver resection is relatively low, the surgery is more likely to be successful, and the outcome is more favorable.
Some experts suggest that reducing or avoiding alcohol consumption and eating more dairy products and fresh fruits can lower people's risk of developing liver cancer. First, one should not drink or control alcohol intake, and in unavoidable situations, weekly consumption should not exceed 150 grams. Second, while controlling alcohol intake, consuming dairy products such as milk and yogurt daily can reduce the incidence of liver cancer by 78%, and eating fresh fruit daily can reduce the risk by 52%.