Hepatocellular cancer in Sweden: incidence 1961-1962 and 1971-1972

The present study was undertaken to compare the incidence of hepatocellular cancer in Sweden during 1961-1962 and 1971-1972, and to evaluate the geographical distribution of the disease. Another aim was to determine whether a retrospective analysis of hospital records of individual cases could provide information on relevant risk factors, in particular cirrhosis, previous diseases, occupational exposure and alcohol consumption. The incidence of hepatocellular cancer in Sweden has increased, particularly in the highest age groups. A difference in incidence for males between the three largest cities in Sweden and the remainder of the country is demonstrated. The proportion of autopsies in Sweden, particularly in the highest age groups, has increased between the two time periods, which could explain part of the increase in incidence. Information from the hospital records indicate that cirrhosis and alcohol abuse among the male cases in the three largest cities are more common than in the remainder of Sweden.