A major new study published in JAMA Network Open has found that consuming more sugar-sweetened beverages may be associated with a higher risk of developing certain types of liver cancer. Researchers analyzed data from more than 1.5 million adults and discovered that regular intake of sugary drinks was linked to an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), two of the most common forms of liver cancer.
Interestingly, the same association was not found for artificially sweetened beverages. After adjusting for lifestyle and health factors, researchers found little evidence that diet drinks independently increased liver cancer risk.
These findings add to growing concerns about the long-term health effects of sugary beverages and may provide another reason to limit their consumption as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Liver cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Experts estimate that the global burden of liver cancer will continue to rise in the coming decades.
The most common form of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which accounts for the majority of cases. Another important subtype is intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), a cancer that develops in the bile ducts within the liver.
Known risk factors for liver cancer include:
Because diet plays an important role in metabolic health, researchers have increasingly explored whether specific foods and beverages may influence liver cancer risk.
Researchers combined data from 11 long-term prospective cohort studies conducted in the United States and Europe.
Key study details included:
Participants reported their intake of both sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs) through validated dietary questionnaires.
The research team then evaluated whether higher beverage consumption was associated with future liver cancer risk.
The most significant finding involved sugar-sweetened beverages.
Researchers found that each additional sugary drink consumed per day was associated with:
Although sugary drinks were not strongly linked to overall liver cancer risk in every analysis, the association with specific liver cancer subtypes remained consistent.
The findings suggest that long-term consumption of sugary beverages may contribute to biological processes that increase the likelihood of developing certain liver cancers.
Scientists have several theories explaining why sugary beverages could increase liver cancer risk.
One important factor is fructose, a type of sugar commonly found in soft drinks and other sweetened beverages.
Research has shown that excessive fructose consumption may:
These conditions are already known to increase the risk of liver disease and liver cancer.
Some studies also suggest that high fructose intake may alter gut health and increase exposure to inflammatory compounds that affect liver function.
While the exact biological pathways remain under investigation, the evidence indicates that sugary beverages can negatively impact liver health through multiple mechanisms.
The study also examined artificially sweetened beverages, including diet sodas and other low-calorie drinks.
After researchers accounted for factors such as body weight, diabetes status, smoking habits, physical activity, and alcohol intake, they found no meaningful association between artificially sweetened beverage consumption and liver cancer.
This result is particularly noteworthy because concerns have been raised in recent years about the safety of artificial sweeteners, including aspartame.
In 2023, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified aspartame as "possibly carcinogenic to humans." However, the classification was based on limited evidence and highlighted the need for additional research.
The current study, one of the largest analyses conducted on this topic, did not find strong evidence supporting an independent link between artificially sweetened beverages and liver cancer risk.
Several factors strengthen the credibility of the findings.
The study included:
Because liver cancer is relatively uncommon, studies with millions of participants and decades of follow-up provide valuable insights that smaller investigations may not capture.
Despite its strengths, the study has limitations.
Researchers relied on self-reported dietary information, which can sometimes be inaccurate. Beverage consumption may also change over time, while many participants reported their intake only once.
Additionally, this was an observational study. Observational research can identify associations but cannot prove that one factor directly causes another.
The authors also noted that some potentially important variables, such as underlying liver disease severity, were not consistently available across all cohorts.
As a result, further studies are needed to confirm these findings and better understand the biological mechanisms involved.
While more research is warranted, the results support existing public health recommendations to limit consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.
Reducing intake of sugary drinks may help:
For individuals looking to improve overall health, replacing sugary beverages with water, sparkling water, unsweetened tea, or other low-sugar alternatives may be a beneficial step.
This large-scale analysis involving more than 1.5 million adults found that higher consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages was associated with an increased risk of two major liver cancer subtypes, hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. In contrast, researchers found little evidence that artificially sweetened beverages independently increased liver cancer risk.
Although the findings do not prove causation, they contribute to a growing body of evidence suggesting that excessive consumption of sugary drinks may have serious long-term health consequences. As research continues, reducing sugar-sweetened beverage intake remains a sensible strategy for supporting metabolic and liver health.
Watling CZ, Zhao L, Zhang X, et al. "Artificially Sweetened and Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake and Risk of Liver Cancer." JAMA Network Open. Published June 10, 2026. DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.17754.
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The study discussed is observational and identifies associations rather than proving cause and effect. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding dietary choices, liver health concerns, or cancer prevention strategies.
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