Time trends in liver cancer mortality rates in Montenegro from 1990 to 2018

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Liver cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality globally, with viral hepatitis B and C as primary risk factors.
• Montenegro has implemented viral hepatitis eradication strategies aligned with global initiatives to reduce liver cancer deaths.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze liver cancer mortality trends in Montenegro between 1990 and 2018.
• To evaluate the impact of public health interventions on liver cancer mortality patterns.

Main Methods:

• Utilized age-standardized liver cancer mortality data for Montenegro (1990-2018).
• Employed joinpoint, linear, and Poisson regression analyses for trend assessment.
• Conducted both overall and gender-specific trend analyses.

Main Results:

• Overall liver cancer mortality rates showed no significant trend, remaining constant.
• A significant annual increase in liver cancer cases was observed (1.4% overall, 1.9% in women).
• The 55-84 age groups represented the most affected populations by liver cancer mortality.

Conclusions:

• Consistent prevention and treatment of hepatitis infections appear to have stabilized liver cancer mortality rates.
• Continued monitoring of guidelines and targeted attention to the elderly population are recommended for managing liver cancer.
• Public health initiatives have shown partial success in mitigating liver cancer mortality in Montenegro.