Exploring social determinants and hepatocellular carcinoma: a scoping review of evidence and implications

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Social determinants of health (SDH) significantly impact HCC outcomes, yet comprehensive insights into these effects are lacking. This scoping review aimed to examine the influence of SDH on HCC outcomes.

Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we searched 10 databases, including PubMed and Scopus, using terms related to HCC and SDH. We included studies published between 1994 and 2024, focusing on human participants and various study designs. A total of 20 studies were selected, including cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control studies.

The review identified disparities in HCC outcomes linked to socioeconomic status, health care access, and racial and ethnic differences. Patients in disadvantaged socioeconomic conditions and marginalized racial groups faced delays in treatment and worse outcomes. United States-based studies highlighted pronounced disparities compared to studies in Argentina, France, and Australia. Various SDH metrics provided inconsistent results, illustrating a need for standardized measures.

SDH significantly shapes HCC outcomes, revealing gaps in current research. Future studies should integrate various SDH factors using consistent metrics to improve HCC care and reduce health disparities.