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Changes in the Epidemiology of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Asia
Yao Liu1,2,3, Lianxin Liu1,2,3
1Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China.
Insights
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence is rising globally, particularly in Asia. Prevention strategies, including vaccination and lifestyle changes, are crucial for improving outcomes in this challenging cancer.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent cancer with increasing incidence and mortality worldwide.
- Asia faces a significant healthcare burden from HCC due to prevalent risk factors like chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) infections, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), aflatoxin, and alcohol consumption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiological trends of HCC in Asia.
- To highlight future prevention and treatment strategies for HCC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiological data on HCC in Asia.
- Analysis of risk factors and current prevention strategies.
Main Results:
- Universal newborn vaccination has reduced HCC incidence.
- Antiviral therapies for HBV and HCV contribute to HCC incidence decline.
- Lifestyle modifications are essential for HCC prevention related to NAFLD and other causes.
Conclusions:
- Focusing on prevention is the most effective approach to improve prognosis for HCC.
- Continued efforts in vaccination, antiviral therapy, and lifestyle changes are vital for combating HCC in Asia.
Abstract:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with high morbidity and mortality, and the incidence is on the rise. HCC imposes a heavy healthcare burden on Asian countries due to the presence of multiple HCC risk factors in this area. Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, non-alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD), aflatoxin and alcohol intake are the causes of HCC that cannot be ignored. Compared with the pre-vaccination era, universal vaccination of newborns reduces the incidence of HCC. Anti-viral therapy with nucleos(t)ide analogues also causes a decline in HCC incidence. Early screening and direct-acting antiviral agent are beneficial to the prevention and treatment of HCV. For HCC caused by NAFLD and other reasons, lifestyle changes are imperative. This paper introduces the epidemiological trends of HCC in Asia and highlight future efforts. Focusing on prevention may be the most effective way to improve the prognosis of this hard-to-treat cancer.
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