Artificially Sweetened and Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake and Risk of Liver Cancer - Report - MDSpire

Artificially Sweetened and Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake and Risk of Liver Cancer

  • By

  • Cody Z. Watling

  • Longgang Zhao

  • Xinyuan Zhang

  • Emily Deubler

  • Amparo G. Gonzalez-Feliciano

  • Barry I. Graubard

  • Jessica L. Petrick

  • Aika Wojt

  • Gisela Butera

  • Jonathan N. Hofmann

  • Laura E. Beane Freeman

  • Martha J. Shrubsole

  • Wei Zheng

  • Staci L. Sudenga

  • Eva Schernhammer

  • A. Heather Eliassen

  • Lorelei A. Mucci

  • Howard D. Sesso

  • Rashmi Sinha

  • Erikka Loftfield

  • Caroline Y. Um

  • Marjorie L. McCullough

  • Mazda Jenab

  • Xuehong Zhang

  • Katherine A. McGlynn

  • June 10, 2026

  • 0 min

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Consumption of Artificial and Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Its Association with Liver Cancer Risk

Overview

This report investigates the associations between the intake of artificially sweetened beverages (ASB) and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) with liver cancer risk. Findings suggest a potential link between SSB consumption and increased liver cancer risk, while the evidence for ASB remains inconclusive.

Background

Liver cancer is a significant global health concern, being the third leading cause of cancer mortality. The increasing incidence of liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), necessitates a better understanding of dietary risk factors. Despite known associations with chronic viral infections and metabolic disorders, a substantial proportion of HCC cases remain unexplained, highlighting the need for further research into dietary influences.

Data Highlights

No specific numerical data provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • ASB has been classified as a group 2B carcinogen by IARC, indicating a possible association with liver cancer.
  • One study found a positive association between ASB intake and liver cancer, particularly in individuals with diabetes.
  • SSB intake is linked to various health issues, including obesity and diabetes, which are established risk factors for liver cancer.
  • Most studies suggest an increased risk of liver cancer with higher SSB consumption, although results vary.
  • Only a limited number of studies have explored the relationship between SSB and liver cancer, with inconsistent findings.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should consider dietary intake of sweetened beverages as a potential risk factor for liver cancer, particularly in patients with metabolic disorders. Further research is warranted to clarify the associations and inform dietary recommendations for at-risk populations.

Conclusion

The evidence suggests a potential link between SSB consumption and liver cancer risk, while the association with ASB remains unclear. Continued investigation into dietary factors is essential for understanding liver cancer etiology.

Related Resources & Content

  1. JAMA Network Open, 2023 -- Sugar-Sweetened and Artificially Sweetened Beverages and Liver Cancer—A Hard Look at Soft Drinks
  2. The ASCO Post, 2023 -- Does Daily Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Increase the Risk of Liver Disease Among Postmenopausal Women?
  3. The ASCO Post, 2016 -- Increased Risk of Gallbladder Cancer May Be Associated With Consuming Large Amounts of Sweetened Beverages
  4. The ASCO Post, 2022 -- New Study Shows Sugar-Sweetened Drinks May Increase Risk of Cancer Mortality
  5. New EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on Hepatocellular Carcinoma, EASL, 2025
  6. Sugar-Sweetened and Artificially Sweetened Beverages and Risk of Liver Cancer and Chronic Liver Disease Mortality | JAMA
  7. New EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on Hepatocellular Carcinoma - EASL-The Home of Hepatology.
  8. IMbrave150: updated overall survival data from a global, randomized, open-label Phase III study of atezolizumab + bevacizumab vs sorafenib in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

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