Coffee consumption linked to reduced liver cancer risk, study suggests

Research conducted by the Universities of Edinburgh and Southampton has suggested that drinking coffee may help to protect people from the most common form of primary liver cancer.

Researchers examined data from 26 studies involving more than two million participants and found that people who regularly drink coffee have less chance of developing hepatocellular carcinoma.

Statistics show hepatocellular carcinoma is the second leading cause of cancer death globally because of its poor prognosis and high frequency. It mostly develops in people who are already suffering from chronic liver disease.

Specifically, the scientsts found that hepatocellular carcinoma affected around 50 people in every 1000 of those included in the study. However, among those who regularly drink coffee, the rate of disease was slashed to 33 people in every 1000 – a 40 per cent drop. 

Drinking one additional cup of caffeinated coffee each day was associated with a 20 per cent drop in risk; two cups reduced the risk by 35 per cent; and drinking up to five cups each day cut the risk in half.

The study highlighted that even decaffeinated coffee was found to be beneficial – cutting the risk of disease by 14 per cent.

Professor Peter Hayes, head of Division of Health Sciences, University of Edinburgh, explained: “We have shown that coffee reduces cirrhosis and also liver cancer in a dose-dependent manner. Coffee has also been reported to reduce the risk of death from many other causes. Our research adds to the evidence that, in moderation, coffee can be a wonderful natural medicine.

Dr Oliver Kennedy, University of Southampton, said: “The next step now is for researchers to investigate the effectiveness, through randomised trials, of increased coffee consumption for those at risk of liver cancer.”