Coffee, Helps Liver Cancer Treatment? Lowers Risks from Alcoholism

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Mar 30, 2015 11:55 AM EDT

A commonly consumed hot beverage was found to reduce the risk of liver cancer, specifically among those who suffer from alcoholism. Multiple research revealed that coffee can actually help prevent liver cancer.  

According to HNGN, coffee offers "significant cancer-fighting properties." Back in 2013, scientists from the CUP or the World Cancer Research Fund International's Continuous Update Project discovered that the hot beverage lowered the risk of endometrial cancer.  

While the study revealed that coffee can prevent liver cancer, scientists still do not understand which properties of the drink cause the reduction risk, states UPI. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, part of the uncertainty comes from the fact that coffee is consumed and made in many ways. 

Stephen Hursting, one of the experts from CUP, states, "It may act on liver enzymes that eliminate carcinogens, for example." UPI shares some quotes written in a released report by researchers concerning which mechanisms in coffee are responsible for preventing liver cancer. 

"Mechanisms that support a protective effect of coffee on liver cancer relate largely to studies in animals, although, some human studies contribute to the evidence," it states. The researchers conclude in the report, "Both coffee and coffee extracts have also been shown to reduce the expression of genes involved in inflammation and the effects appear to be most pronounced in the liver." 

Scientists stated that more research is needed to determine coffee's anti-cancer effects, reports UPI. The AICR adds, "It is not yet possible to determine the amount or style of preparation coffee needs to be consumed in to protect against liver cancer." 

The AICR worked with CUP on the study, reports Design & Trend. A full report on the causes and prevention of liver cancer was released by AICR. Researchers observed over 24,500 cases of liver cancer, involving more than 8.2 million people worldwide and 34 research initiatives. 

While coffee can prevent liver cancer, researchers also found that obesity increases the risk of liver cancer, states HNGN. Hillel Tobis, co-chair of the American Liver Foundation's national medical advisory committee, says the following about obesity in relation with liver cancer:  

"This supports what research has pointed to - that there is a link between obesity and live cancer. Lifestyle factors are important contributors to the development of liver cancer and even moderate changes in diet, alcohol consumption and exercise can prevent it." 

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