Not just alcohol addiction. Doctor explains one common pantry habit may increase risk of liver cancer: 'When peanuts, corn or grains sit in warm, humid pantries...'

A seemingly harmless habit involving a common kitchen staple may significantly increase the risk of developing liver cancer. Sharing an awareness post on X, internal medicine specialist Dr. Priyam Bordoloi highlighted that certain routine food storage practices can expose people to dangerous cancer-causing substances without them realizing it.

According to Dr. Bordoloi, one everyday pantry mistake is linked to a potent toxin known to increase the risk of liver cancer. He encouraged people to identify which of the following household food habits poses the greatest danger:

A) Consuming bread that has become slightly stale

B) Eating peanuts that have been stored in damp or humid conditions
C) Keeping potatoes after they have started sprouting
D) Using salt that has formed hard clumps due to moisture

He explained how having peanuts, specifically ones that have been stored in damp or humid conditions can make you susceptible to liver cancer, even if you have an otherwise healthy diet. He recalled how he and his team dealt with a patient battling advanced liver cancer but had no history of alcohol addiction.

He then explained that in this case, the liver cancer developed due to a dangerous combination of two factors—an undetected, long-term hepatitis B infection and years of regularly consuming grains and peanuts that had been stored in damp conditions.

He noted that when foods such as peanuts, corn, and other grains are kept in warm, humid storage areas, they can become contaminated with a microscopic fungus known as Aspergillus. This fungus produces aflatoxin B1, a naturally occurring toxin that is considered one of the strongest cancer-causing substances found in nature.

After entering the body through contaminated food, aflatoxin B1 can damage DNA and interfere with the p53 gene, which plays a critical role in preventing the growth of abnormal cells. When this protective gene is impaired, the body's ability to suppress tumor formation is weakened, allowing liver cancer to develop gradually and often without noticeable symptoms.

Another major concern is that aflatoxin cannot be eliminated through normal cooking methods. Heating, roasting, or boiling contaminated food does not destroy the toxin, making proper food storage the only effective way to reduce exposure.

To lower the risk, Dr. Bordoloi advised storing peanuts, nuts, and grains in airtight containers and keeping them in a cool, dry environment. Refrigeration is also a good option, especially in humid climates, as it helps prevent mold growth and reduces the chance of aflatoxin contamination. Proper storage habits can play an important role in protecting long-term liver health.

Symptoms Of Liver Cancer

According to the Mayo Clinic, these are the red flags of liver cancer

Losing weight without trying
Loss of appetite
Pain in your abdomen, especially upper part of abdomen.
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal swelling
Your skin and eyes - the whites becoming yellow.
White, chalky stools.