Collectively, our findings suggest that DNMT1/miR-34a-5p/FoxM1 axis may be pivotal in HCC recurrence, and a combination of DNMT1, miR-34a-5p-5p and FoxM1 may function as a potential marker for prognostic prediction in individuals diagnosed with HCC. Here, FOXM1 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.