Doctor’s Concern: "2 Things to Avoid, 1 Habit to Maintain"—Important at Any Age

In recent years, the incidence and mortality rates of liver cancer have been rising, especially among the elderly. This growing concern has drawn significant attention from the medical community.

Many people believe that liver cancer only affects heavy drinkers or those with a history of hepatitis, but the reality is far more complex.

With years of experience working in hospitals, I have observed that liver cancer is no longer confined to a specific group. Even those with seemingly normal lifestyles can still be at risk.

Liver Cancer Is Hard to Detect Early, Leading to Serious Consequences

One of the most concerning aspects of liver cancer is that its early stages often show no obvious symptoms.

Many people experience mild discomfort but dismiss it as insignificant, allowing the disease to progress unnoticed until it reaches a severe stage.

I have seen many patients, particularly older individuals, ignore simple yet crucial health advice—only to be diagnosed when it is too late.

However, liver cancer is not entirely unpreventable. By maintaining healthy habits, we can significantly reduce the risk.

To protect your liver, remember this key rule: "2 Things to Avoid, 1 Habit to Maintain"

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🚫 2 Things to AVOID

1. Avoid Eating Moldy Food

Moldy food is one of the most overlooked causes of liver cancer.

Many people have the habit of cutting off the moldy part and continuing to eat the rest, but in reality, toxins have already spread throughout the food, not just the visibly affected area.

Moldy foods often contain aflatoxins—a potent carcinogen classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Group 1 carcinogen (proven to cause cancer in humans).

👉 Real Case:
A 70-year-old retiree had a habit of stockpiling food such as peanuts, dried corn, and tofu for long periods.

He paid little attention to food storage methods, and when he noticed mold, he simply cut off the affected parts and ate the rest.

During a routine health check, doctors discovered severe liver damage. Further testing revealed that prolonged exposure to aflatoxins from moldy food had slowly destroyed his liver, eventually leading to liver cancer.

📌 Doctor’s Advice:

• Never eat moldy food, even if only a small portion appears affected.
• Store food properly, especially in humid weather, to prevent mold growth.
• Avoid long-fermented or poorly stored pickled foods and dried goods with unknown sources, as they may contain hidden mold toxins.

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2. Avoid Exposure to Toxic Chemicals

Many people work in environments with chemical exposure but fail to take proper precautions.

High-risk occupations include:

• Workers in chemical industries (e.g., paint, petroleum, plastics, dye manufacturing).
• Farmers frequently exposed to pesticides and herbicides.

When harmful chemicals enter the body, the liver processes these toxins, which can lead to damage and increase the risk of liver cancer.

👉 Real Case:
I once treated a patient working in the chemical industry. His company provided protective gear, but he found it inconvenient and often skipped using it.

After a few years, he started experiencing fatigue, loss of appetite, and persistent pain around the liver area.

Medical tests revealed severe liver damage and a high risk of developing liver cancer.

📌 Doctor’s Advice:

• If you work with chemicals, always wear protective gear (gloves, masks, goggles).
• Minimize exposure to strong chemicals such as paint, petroleum, and pesticides.
• When using pesticides or cleaning products, work in well-ventilated areas and wear protective equipment to reduce toxic absorption.

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✅ 1 Habit to MAINTAIN

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity, especially abdominal fat, is a major risk factor for liver cancer.

Excess fat in the body leads to fat accumulation in the liver, causing fatty liver disease. If left uncontrolled, this can progress to cirrhosis and eventually liver cancer.

👉 Real Case:
I treated a patient with severe obesity who loved eating fried foods, red meat, and fast food while leading a sedentary lifestyle.

Tests showed not only severe fatty liver disease but also signs of deteriorating liver function.

Fortunately, after adjusting his diet and incorporating regular exercise, he lost weight and significantly improved his liver health.

📌 Doctor’s Advice:

• Limit fried and high-fat foods to reduce liver fat accumulation.
• Exercise regularly—at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily helps maintain a healthy liver.
• Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins (e.g., fish, tofu, eggs).

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🎯 Conclusion: Preventing Liver Cancer Is Possible with Small Lifestyle Changes

Liver cancer does not develop overnight—it results from years of exposure to harmful substances.

📌 Remember the "2 Things to Avoid, 1 Habit to Maintain" rule:
✅ AVOID moldy food – protect yourself from aflatoxins, a major carcinogen.
✅ AVOID toxic chemical exposure – safeguard your liver from harmful substances.
✅ MAINTAIN a healthy weight – prevent fatty liver and cirrhosis.

💡 Start making these small changes today to protect your liver and extend your lifespan!

📢 Are you taking care of your liver properly? Share your thoughts in the comments!