Continuing to drink alcohol after being diagnosed with liver cancer can make the disease harder to treat. Alcohol damages healthy liver tissue, which may limit treatment options like surgery, targeted therapies, or liver transplant. If too much of the liver is damaged, certain procedures may no longer be safe or possible.
A liver transplant may be an option for some people, but doctors usually consider it only if the cancer is limited and the patient commits to staying alcohol-free. Other treatments, like immunotherapy or drugs that slow cancer growth, may also be less effective—or not an option—if the liver isn’t working well enough.
Even for patients who already had cirrhosis before cancer developed, continuing to drink can speed up liver failure. On the other hand, stopping alcohol use—at any stage—can help protect liver function and improve overall health.
Support for Managing Alcohol Use at Brigham and Women’s Hospital
At Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital, people struggling with alcohol use can find expert support through the Division of Addiction Psychiatry. This team includes doctors, counselors, and other specialists who help patients manage alcohol and other substance use disorders. They offer a full range of services, including outpatient care, inpatient support, group and individual counseling, and treatment for mental health conditions that may occur at the same time.
The team works closely with medical providers across the hospital to ensure each patient receives care tailored to their specific situation. Services are designed to be flexible and accessible, helping patients begin treatment in a setting that meets their needs and supports long-term recovery.
