Prospective cohort study of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease as risk factor for young-onset digestive tract cancers

Although the incidence of young-onset digestive tract cancers (DTCs) is increasing worldwide, their risk factors remain largely unknown. A nationwide retrospective cohort study in South Korea investigated nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) as risk factor for DTCs in patients aged 20-39 years. NAFLD was associated with increased risk of overall DTCs, and specific cancers of stomach, colorectum, liver, pancreas, biliary tract, and gallbladder. These associations remained significant regardless of age, sex, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and obesity status. NAFLD was associated with statistically not significant increased risk of esophageal cancer. The authors conclude that NAFLD may be an independent modifiable risk factor for young-onset DTCs.