Sugary Drinks Linked to Higher Risk of Liver Cancer
A pooled analysis of 11 studies involving over 1.5 million people suggests that daily consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is linked to an increased risk of primary liver cancers. Conversely, the study found no significant association between artificially sweetened drinks and liver cancer risk.
Why it matters
This research highlights potential dietary risk factors for liver cancer, providing actionable information for public health awareness regarding beverage consumption.
On the other hand, artificially sweetened drinks were not associated with liver cancer risk in this analysis.
August 21, 2026 • By Sukanya Charuchandra
Drinking more sugar-sweetened beverages was associated with a higher risk of developing the two most common types of primary liver cancer in a pooled analysis of 11 studies, according to results published in JAMA Network Open .
The researchers found that each additional sugary drink consumed per day was linked to a 10% higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and a 15% higher risk of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, while artificially sweetened beverages were not associated with liver cancer risk overall or by subtype.
Liver cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related death globally, with HCC making up nearly 80% of cases. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma refers to cancer that develops in bile ducts within the liver.
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