Liver Int. 2026 Dec;46(12):e70930. doi: 10.1111/liv.70930.
ABSTRACT
Excessive alcohol consumption is a significant global health concern, causing over 200 adverse health outcomes, including liver disease, cardiovascular disease, neuropsychiatric disorders, and malignancies. Among these, alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) stands out as a leading contributor to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. Moreover, alcohol accounts for 27% of deaths from cirrhosis and chronic liver disease, with 30% of HCC-related mortality attributed to alcohol use. Despite its severity, abstinence from alcohol markedly improves survival, even in advanced stages of ALD, highlighting the centrality of cessation efforts in disease management. HCC represents a major global health challenge, especially in individuals with ALD. Unfortunately, HCC often presents at an advanced stage, limiting treatment efficacy and resulting in a dismal 5-year survival rate of 3.3%. Beyond HCC, alcohol use is linked to an elevated risk of other malignancies, such as cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus (squamous cell), liver (hepatocellular), colorectum, and female breast; compounding the disease burden. This review explores the intricate relationship between alcohol exposure, primary liver cancer, and other alcohol-related malignancies. It highlights the pathophysiological mechanisms, epidemiological trends, and the importance of alcohol abstinence in mitigating disease progression. Future research must focus on innovative approaches to improve prevention, surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment in this high-risk population.
PMID:42963959 | DOI:10.1111/liv.70930