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Geneticists have identified why men are more susceptible to liver cancer
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Geneticists have recently identified the reasons why liver cancer predominantly affects men. Specialists at the University of Michigan have identified a genetic abnormality that, according to scientists, increases the chances of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common form of cancer, as well as type II diabetes.
Diabetes mellitus is one of the factors that leads to the development of a malignant tumor in the liver, but usually people who have hidden problems, such as viral hepatitis or excessive alcohol consumption, are susceptible to this. Hepatocellular carcinoma is two to four times more common among the male population of the earth. Specialists have been able to determine that the NCOA5 gene is present in both men and women. It is this gene that provokes the production of pathogenic cells that lead to cancer. Moreover, even before the formation of the malignant tumor itself, a decrease in sensitivity to glucose develops. This phenomenon was recorded in all laboratory mice that took part in the experiment.
Scientists suggest that men have a higher chance of becoming victims of malignant tumors due to differences in hormonal levels. The female body produces more estrogen, which can somehow protect against the development of diabetes and cancer. The male body has less estrogen, so they are at increased risk.
Several statistical studies have shown that hepatocellular carcinoma is less common in coffee drinkers. Experts suggest that at least three cups of this drink a day reduce the risk of liver cancer by 50%, in particular, the likelihood of developing the most common form of cancer - hepatocellular carcinoma - is reduced by 40%.
Some of the recent studies of the effects of caffeine on the risk of developing cancer have confirmed the preliminary assumptions of experts in this field. According to the author of the work (Carlo La Vecchia), the positive effect of caffeine can be explained by the fact that this drink is partly able to prevent the development of diabetes (which is already a partially proven fact). It is diabetes that is the main element that provokes cancer. In addition, it is a known fact that caffeine protects the liver from cirrhosis. Therefore, experts suggest that caffeine is also able to significantly reduce the risk of liver cancer.
Liver cancer is the sixth most common malignant tumor in the world. This type of cancer is the third most common cause of death from this serious disease. Hepatocellular carcinoma is detected in 90% of cases of malignant tumors in the liver.
Liver cancer is a rather dangerous form of oncology, since in the vast majority of cases it can be detected only at late stages. At the very beginning of development, the tumor does not manifest itself in any way, and special tests for determining this form of cancer have not been developed. Small tumors are practically not diagnosed during clinical examinations of the patient.
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