
Can smoking and drinking alcohol lead to liver cancer?
Disease description:
I have always enjoyed drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes. Recently, I heard that these habits may lead to liver cancer. May I ask, can smoking and drinking cause liver cancer?

Both smoking and drinking alcohol increase the risk of developing liver cancer. Specifically, the chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage the liver, affect the immune system, and promote the development of liver cancer by suppressing tumor-suppressor genes. Alcohol, on the other hand, is one of the primary factors leading to liver cancer. Long-term alcohol consumption gradually damages the liver, causing cirrhosis, which in turn increases the risk of liver cancer. Moreover, alcohol can promote the growth of liver cancer cells, further increasing the risk. Therefore, both smoking and alcohol consumption are carcinogenic factors, and their combined effects significantly elevate the risk of developing liver cancer. To prevent liver cancer, it is recommended to reduce or quit smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and to undergo regular medical checkups for early detection of any abnormalities.