A 25-Year-Old Man Developed Liver Cancer Due to a Seafood-Eating Habit Many People Have

Doctors are warning that liver cancer cases among young adults are rising rapidly — and one of the key reasons comes from unhealthy eating habits, especially a seafood habit many people mistakenly consider harmless.

Recently, a 25-year-old male patient was admitted to a Hepatology Center in critical condition after experiencing prolonged fatigue, mild jaundice, and pain in the upper right abdomen. Imaging and laboratory tests revealed early-stage liver cancer.

The eating habit that became a silent “trigger”

The patient reported that he ate seafood almost every day, particularly:

• Raw or undercooked seafood (sashimi, oysters, seafood salads)

• Lightly steamed or inadequately cooked shellfish

• Refrigerated seafood stored for long periods

• Grilled seafood from roadside vendors

According to doctors, seafood itself does not cause cancer — but the wrong way of eating it does.

1. Infection with liver fluke parasites

Raw fish and shellfish can contain Clonorchis sinensis (liver flukes). When consumed raw, these parasites enter the liver, causing chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and eventually cancer.

2. Exposure to toxins in improperly stored seafood

Seafood spoils quickly and may contain bacterial or fungal toxins that overload the liver.

3. Eating seafood with alcohol

A common habit among young adults. Alcohol damages liver cells, while purine-rich seafood forces the liver to work even harder.

4. Grilled or charred seafood

High-temperature grilling produces HCAs and PAHs, which the WHO has classified as carcinogenic.

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Liver cancer is no longer a disease only seen in older adults

Data shows a worrying rise in liver cancer cases among individuals under 30. Contributing factors include:

• Eating raw or undercooked seafood regularly

• Chronic hepatitis B or C infections

• Excessive alcohol consumption

• High-fat diets with few vegetables

• Lack of sleep and chronic stress

In this young man's case, tests confirmed he had chronic liver fluke infection and persistently elevated liver enzymes that were never checked.

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Early warning signs of liver cancer

Liver cancer often progresses silently, but may present symptoms such as:

• Persistent fatigue

• Bloating and poor digestion

• Pain or pressure in the liver area

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes

• Unexplained weight loss

Many ignore these symptoms until the disease has advanced.

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How to prevent liver cancer if you eat seafood

1. Avoid raw or undercooked seafood from unreliable sources

Seafood must be fully cooked.

2. Reduce seafood frequency — especially grilled dishes

Choose steaming or boiling; avoid burnt or charred portions.

3. Avoid alcohol when eating seafood

This combination intensifies liver damage.

4. Get liver health screenings every 6 months

Especially if you frequently consume raw seafood.

5. Get vaccinated for hepatitis B and test for hepatitis C.

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Conclusion

This 25-year-old man's story is a strong reminder that unhealthy eating habits can push even young adults toward liver cancer.

Seafood isn’t harmful — but the wrong way of consuming it is.