
Doctors warn: Liver cancer could hit you in your 20s. Here's what to watch out for in your diet
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Praveen Kesav, Senior Consultant and Head of Division - Interventional Radiology at Gokulam Hospital in Trivandrum, shared, 'What's especially concerning is that fatty liver disease, once seen in older adults, is now being diagnosed in children as young as five or six. If we don't act now, we could soon see liver cancer affecting people in their twenties or thirties, making early transplants a harsh reality.'
He revealed, 'Despite being one of the deadliest cancers due to late detection, liver cancer is often preventable. Regular screening, healthy lifestyle choices, and advancements in minimally invasive treatments like ablation and Balloon TACE offer hope in tackling this growing epidemic.'
Bringing his expertise to the same, Dr Jignesh Reddy, Consultant Interventional Radiologist at AIG Hospital in Hyderabad's Gachibowli, cautioned, 'We're seeing a worrying rise in liver cancer, especially among younger people, and a lot of it comes down to lifestyle. Processed foods are now a part of our diets from infancy, gradually altering liver function in ways we don't always realise. In South India, factors like high processed rice consumption, a humid climate and fructose-heavy diets could be fueling metabolic liver diseases more than in North India, where wheat and millet are more common.'
He concluded, 'With conditions like diabetes and hypertension playing a bigger role, fatty liver disease is now recognised as Metabolic Associated Liver Disease (MASH). The focus really needs to be on prevention, raising awareness, making healthier choices, and catching issues early. While surgery or transplant offers the best chance at a cure, only a small percentage of patients qualify, which is why early intervention is so important.'
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Hindustan Times
7 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Holding your urine for too long? Urologist shares 5 ways it can harm your body
Whether you're stuck in a long meeting or can't find a clean restroom nearby, there are times when we end up holding our urine for too long. But is this habit actually safe? In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sandeep Harkar, principal consultant, urology, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram said, 'Delaying urinating for a long period of time might have a negative impact on one's health. Urine can only be kept in the bladder for a particular period. Delaying urination on a regular basis may lead the bladder to become too stretched. Poor bladder control, difficulty emptying the bladder completely, and even urine leaks may arise over time.' Also read | International Women's Day 2024: 5 ways to prevent UTI Holding urine for too long can be harmful.(Shutterstock) Dr Sandeep Harkar further explained how delayed urination can affect the body: 1. Urinary tract infections (UTI): Holding urine in the bladder for an extended period of time causes urinary stasis and creates a condition for bacteria to multiply. If left untreated, this infection can spread to the kidneys, resulting in severe kidney conditions. 2. Bladder overstretching and weakening: Overfilling of the bladder stretches the bladder. Regular overstretching of the urinary bladder muscles caused by retaining a large amount of pee inside can result in lifelong muscle weakness. This makes it difficult for the bladder to contract and empty completely, causing urine retention or incontinence. The bladder may become so weak that catheterization, which involves inserting a tube into the bladder to empty it, may be required to treat the condition. Delayed urination can lead to kidney damage.(Pexels) 3. Pain and discomfort: The normal bladder capacity ranges from 300 to 500 ml. If the bladder is full of more urine, the individual will have pain in the lower abdomen. This can also induce restlessness, decreased focus and concentration, or even a headache. Also read | Everyday foods wreaking havoc on your bladder…and what to eat instead 4. Urinary bladder stones: Minerals in urine can settle and form crystals as a result of prolonged stasis, which can eventually grow into large stones 5. Kidney damage: If not addressed or neglected for a long time, pee constantly backs up into the kidneys due to insufficient bladder emptying which can cause permanent renal damage. Also read | 5 tips you need to follow to keep your bladder healthy 'It's best to empty your bladder every 3-4 hours or whenever you have a natural urge to pee. Although, the exact frequency may vary depending on hydration status, age, and bladder capacity,' added Dr Sandeep Harkar. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.


Hindustan Times
9 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Coconut water to scalp detox: 4 expert-backed hacks to beat summer hair fall
Summer might be the season of sunshine but it is also when a common concern grips our country: sudden, excessive hair fall. What many do not realise is that seasonal hair fall is real and summer brings with it a unique set of challenges that affect the scalp and hair health. Hair falling out in clumps? This hair care expert's 4-step plan might be the reset you need.(Photo by Jared Brashier on Unsplash) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Saloni Anand, Co-Founder of Traya, shared, 'From extreme heat and dehydration to increased sweat, pollution and UV exposure, your scalp is under constant stress in summer. Add to that poor diet, travel and irregular routines and it creates the perfect storm for hair fall but what's important to understand is that this kind of seasonal shedding isn't just a surface problem, it's your body reacting to internal imbalances and external stressors.' She encouraged approaching hair fall differently where rather than opting for a one-size-fits-all solution, she suggested diagnosing the root cause. Saloni Anand said, 'Summer hair fall often points to excess heat (or pitta dosha, in Ayurvedic terms), poor gut health and inflammation in the scalp. It's why many people notice greasy scalps, dandruff flare-ups and even breakouts along the hairline.' The solution, therefore, lies in a multi-pronged approach. Saloni Anand advised - 1. Hydrate more than usual Coconut water cleanses body's toxins.(Shutterstock) Not just with water but with foods rich in electrolytes like coconut water and citrus fruits. 2. Shift to a scalp-friendly diet A scalp-friendly diet reduces processed foods and sugars, which spike inflammation. 3. Adapt your hair care routine Wash your hair more frequently if you sweat a lot but avoid harsh shampoos and never skip oiling. It helps regulate sebum and nourishes the roots but keep it light and rinse it off well. 4. Another often ignored aspect is sleep and stress Stress, pollution, poor nutrition and disrupted sleep patterns are key reasons behind premature baldness, which is a problem plaguing people as early as in their twenties.(Shutterstock Photo) Hair is one of the first things to reflect stress and we must take that seriously. Seasonal hair fall if ignored, it can trigger chronic hair thinning. Saloni Anand concluded with the advice, 'Don't panic. Instead, listen to your body, balance your routine and support your scalp both inside and out. Summer doesn't have to mean losing hair, it can be the season you finally take control of your hair health.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.


Hindustan Times
13 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Men's health: Doctor shares ‘leading cause of death among Indian men', explains 3 biggest health concerns for males
Cardiovascular disease is a leading health threat for men, causing heart attacks, strokes, and other serious conditions. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, senior consultant, internal medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals shared that diabetes is also a significant health issue for men in India. Also read | Cardiologist warns of alarming rise in heart attacks among young smokers under 40 As per the doctor, India has seen a significant rise in the number of young men suffering from heart attacks.(Pixabay ) According to him, the top health challenges for men in India are heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, largely influenced by lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors. Dr Chatterjee highlighted that the good news is that many of these conditions can be prevented or managed with early detection and appropriate treatment. He said, 'The top three health challenges for men in India — heart disease, diabetes, and cancer — are mainly driven by lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors. However, the good news is that many of these conditions are preventable or manageable if detected early and treated appropriately. The most effective way to reduce these risks is to take charge of one's health through regular check-ups, healthy habits, and awareness.' Here's what you need to know about the top three health challenges for men in India: Cardiovascular diseases are one of the biggest health threats for Indian men. (Freepik) 1. Heart disease Dr Chatterjee said, 'Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death among men in India. These include conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension (high blood pressure). India has seen a significant rise in the number of young men suffering from heart attacks — often even below the age of 40,' and added, 'Indian men are often diagnosed late because they don't seek regular medical help, which leads to severe complications or sudden events like strokes.' According to Dr Chatterjee, these are the key risk factors for heart disease: ⦿ Unhealthy diet: High consumption of fried foods, processed sugar, and excess salt. ⦿ Lack of physical activity: Sedentary lifestyles due to desk jobs and minimal exercise. ⦿ Smoking and alcohol use: These are particularly common among men, further increasing risk. ⦿ High stress levels: Driven by work pressure and financial burdens. ⦿ Genetics and urban pollution also contribute. Many Indian men delay health checkups and are unaware they even have diabetes until it causes complications, according to the doctor.(Shutterstock) 2. Diabetes (Type 2) India has one of the largest populations of people living with diabetes, and men are significantly affected, especially in urban areas, Dr Chatterjee said. 'Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or can't use it properly, leading to high blood sugar levels. If not managed, diabetes can lead to serious health problems like kidney failure, vision loss, nerve damage, and increased risk of heart disease. Many Indian men delay health checkups and are unaware they even have diabetes until it causes complications,' he added. According to Dr Chatterjee, these are the key risk factors for diabetes: ⦿ Poor dietary habits: Excessive consumption of sugary and high-carb foods. ⦿ Being overweight or obese: Particularly fat around the abdomen area. ⦿ Family history of diabetes. ⦿ Physical inactivity. ⦿ High levels of stress. Many significant factors contribute to lung cancer risks that are frequently overlooked.((Shutterstock)) 3. Cancer (Prostate, lung, and oral cancers) Dr Chatterjee said, 'Cancer is rapidly becoming one of the top health concerns in India, and men are notably at risk for certain types of cancers, particularly lung cancer, oral cancer and prostate cancer. Many of these cancers are preventable or can be treated effectively if diagnosed early, but lack of awareness and routine screening means they're often caught late.' Sharing the causes, he added, "Lung cancer is losely linked to tobacco smoking and air pollution. Oral cancer is extremely common in India due to chewing tobacco and gutka (smokeless tobacco)." About prostate cancer, he said, its incidence increases with age, especially among men over 50, but rising awareness is helping detect it earlier, which can improve treatment outcomes. According to Dr Chatterjee, these are the contributing factors for cancers in Indian men: ⦿ High tobacco and alcohol consumption. ⦿ Lack of awareness and preventive screenings. ⦿ Delayed diagnosis due to social stigma or neglect. Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, are rising among men but often go unreported due to stigma around mental health, the doctor shared.(Unsplash) Additional health concerns While the above three are the major health issues, the doctor also noted that others significantly impact men's health. According to Dr Chatterjee, other significant health issues affecting men in India include: ⦿ Hypertension (high blood pressure): Common and often goes undetected. ⦿ Mental health issues: Such as depression and anxiety, are rising among men but often go unreported due to stigma around mental health. ⦿ Liver disease and alcohol-related disorders. ⦿ Obesity and metabolic syndrome. What can be done? Highlighting the importance of awareness and screening, Dr Chatterjee suggested you take the following steps to stay healthy: ⦿ Regular health check-ups after age 30–35. ⦿ Healthier lifestyles: eating balanced meals, daily exercise, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol. ⦿ Early screening for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and prostate health. ⦿ Seeking mental health support when needed. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.