A new study reveals that more than 60 percent of liver cancer cases worldwide could be prevented by tackling key modifiable risk factors such as viral hepatitis, alcohol consumption, and fatty liver disease.
The commission warns that there will likely be more cases of liver cancer due to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a serious type of fatty liver disease that happens when too much fat builds up in the liver. With rising rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes worldwide, particularly in high-income regions, MASH is expected to become a major contributor to liver cancer incidence.
According to the commission’s projections, global liver cancer cases could increase by as much as 55 percent by the year 2040 if current trends continue. However, the authors stated that by reducing annual incidence rates by just two to five percent, up to 17 million new cases and 15 million deaths could be prevented in the coming years.
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“We estimated that at least 60 per cent of liver cancers are preventable via control of modifiable risk factors, including (hepatitis B virus), (hepatitis C virus), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, and alcohol,” the report stated.
The report calls for expanding hepatitis B vaccination and hepatitis B and C screening efforts, particularly in countries where viral hepatitis remains prevalent. It also urges governments to adopt stronger alcohol control policies and invest in public education campaigns to raise awareness about fatty liver disease and its connection to liver cancer. The authors stress the importance of improving access to early detection and diagnosis, especially in low- and middle-income countries where liver cancer is often diagnosed at late stages.
In addition to prevention and early intervention, the report highlights the need to integrate palliative care training into oncology services to ensure patients receive comprehensive support from the time of diagnosis.
Liver cancer remains one of the most lethal forms of cancer and is currently among the top three causes of cancer-related deaths in 46 countries.
The findings, compiled by researchers from institutions including the Hong Kong Cancer Institute, Fudan University, and collaborators across the United States, South Korea, and Europe, were published by the Lancet Commission on Liver Cancer report.
