By Jimmy Downs

Saturday Dec 01, 2012 (foodconsumer.org) -- The risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer may be lowered by taking aspirin, according to a study recently released.  But a review in Gastroenterology suggests that statins may provide the protection as well.

S. Singh at Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota and colleagues conducted the review and found statin users were 37 percent less likely to develop hepatocellular carcinoma compared with nonusers.

The review was based on data from ten studies of 1,459,417 people among whom 4298 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma were identified.

The association between statin use and reduced risk of hepatocellular carcinoma was found both in the Asian population and Western populations.  Asians who used statins were found 48 percent less likely to be diagnosed with the disease and the risk reduction among Westerners who used statins was up tp 33 percent.

The authors concluded "Based on meta-analysis, statin use is associated with a reduced risk of HCC, most strongly in Asian but also in Western populations. Randomized clinical trials in populations at high risk for HCC (especially in Asian populations with hepatitis B) are warranted."

The association between statin use and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma may not be a causal relation, which means that taking statins may not be the cause for the reduced risk.  It is possible that those who took statins were more health-conscious and more likely to follow a healthier lifestyle and take medical care to prevent hepatocellular carcinoma.  For the same reason, the association between aspirin and risk hepatocellular carcinoma as revealed in other studies may not be a causal relation.

Statins are intended to lower cholesterol, which at a high level can boost risk of heart disease in those who have had diagnosed heart problems or are at high risk of cardiovascular disease.   Statins are believed not to be cost effective at preventing heart disease among non-at-risk individuals.

The risk of hepatocelluar carcinoma may also be reduced by taking some non-invasive preventative measures such as taking lutein supplements and using a plant-based diet.  Scientific evidence shows plant-based diets can prevent the liver damage induced by aflatoxin B and hepatitis B to say the lease, according to Dr. T Colin Campbell, a well known nutrition professor at Cornell University.