Mortality trends for liver cancer in Mexico from 2000 to 2006

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer, with an estimated incidence of half a million new cases per year around the world. Furthermore, HCC is the third greatest cause of cancer-related death in the world, and most of these deaths are registered in developing countries. Recently it has been suggested that Hispanics in the United States have high rates of HCC, but no information regarding this is available in Mexico. The aim of this study was to investigate recent trends (2000-2006) in HCC mortality rates in Mexico.

Data on national mortality (death certificates) reported for the years 2000-2006 by the Health Ministry of Mexico were analyzed (www.salud.gob.mx). HCC as a cause of death was analyzed. Mortality rates were calculated for all population ages. Causes of death related to HCC were selected in accordance with the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Liver Cancer (C22.0, C22.7, C22.9).

We found that age-adjusted mortality rates were remarkably higher in men than in women in the period 2000-2006. In addition, we found an increase in the general mortality rates of HCC from 4.1 per 100,000 in 2000 to 4.7 per 100,000 in 2006.

The results of this study suggest an increase in the mortality rate for HCC in the period 2000-2006. HCC will become a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the near future.