The numbers of liver cancer cases have tripled in the last 30 years and binge boozing is the main culprit behind it.

Cancer Research UK has released shocking figures in the steep rise in the number of patients which rose from 865 in 1975 to 3,108 in 2006.

Along with the rise in hard drinking, other factors to have contributed in the increased liver cancer cases are obesity and blood infection hepatitis C. All these three are the causes leading to cirrhosis of liver.

Earlier, primary liver cancer cases- where the disease originates in the organ- were scarcely detected. Presently, the accessibility of cheap liquor and booze-binging culture is worsening the problem.

Secondary or metastic liver cancer - caused by a tumor in some other part of the body- is a comparatively more common cause of liver cancer.

Dr Lesley Walker, Cancer Research UK's director of cancer information, said: "While this increase is a concern, it is important for people to understand how their risk of liver cancer can be reduced by changes to lifestyle. Cutting down on alcohol and watching your weight will help to reduce the risk of a wide range of cancers including primary liver cancer. Taking plenty of exercise and eating a balanced diet high in fiber, fruit and vegetables and low in fatty foods, red and processed meat can all help towards keeping a healthy weight."