Longevity & Aging101 HCC Risk Factors Ranked: What Truly Drives Liver Cancer Risk
This umbrella review synthesized 175 meta-analyses to evaluate 101 risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Of these, 73 reached statistical significance and 31 were classified as Class I, II, or III evidence. HBV and HCV infections emerged as the dominant risk factors, increasing HCC risk 12.5-fold and 11.2-fold respectively. Antiviral treatment reduces these risks substantially. Modifiable lifestyle factors—smoking, obesity, alcohol, and NAFLD—significantly elevate risk, while coffee consumption, healthy diet, and bariatric surgery are protective. Several medications including metformin, GLP-1 receptor agonists, aspirin, statins, and SSRIs were associated with reduced HCC risk, whereas proton pump inhibitors elevated it. Blood type O conferred modest protection, while male sex and older age increased risk.
