LIVER CANCER

Cancer that starts in the liver is called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), or hepatoma. HCC is the 5th most common cancer in the world and the 3rd leading cause of cancer death. Most cases of HCC occur in Asia and Africa, but the number of people with HCC is rising rapidly in the U.S. and other western countries.

Liver cancer (HCC) is a tumor that starts in the liver cells (hepatocytes).

500,000 new cases of HCC worldwide every year.

HCC occurs more often in men than women, usually in people 50 to 60 years old.

HCC is one of the most common cancers in the world: it is the 4th most common cancer and 3rd leading cause of cancer death worldwide

80% of people diagnosed with HCC are in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa due to widespread hepatitis B virus (HBV) in these regions.

All HCC are due to liver damage (cirrhosis) from several causes: HBV, hepatitis C (HCV) infection, excess alcohol consumption, and certain genetic liver disorders.

A growing cause if HCC in the U.S. and other western countries, is fatty liver. Fatty liver can occur in people with diabetes, obesity, or combination of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, overweight).

The U.S. incidence and death rate from HCC have been rising steadily since 1975 and there are 22,000 predicted new cases in 2012.

HCC incidence in the U.S. is predicted to increase 4-fold over the next decade or so, due to HCV and fatty liver.

Liver transplantation can offer a small percentage of patients (<10%) survival for several years, but >75% patients had advanced disease and are not eligible for transplantation, surgery or liver-directed therapies.

There is only 1 FDA-approved chemotherapy drug, sorafenib, available for HCC patients.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN CAUSES OF LIVER CANCER?

On average, smoker have a 50-60% higher risk of liver cancer than non-smokers. Heavy drinkers have around five times the risk of liver cancer of light or non-drinkers.

Chronic heavy alcohol consumption or infection with the hepatitis B or C viruses can cause cirrhosis, which greatly increases the risk of liver cancer.

People with diabetes have an increased risk of liver cancer.

Occupational exposure to vinyl chloride has been linked to liver cancer.

Aflatoxin – a toxin produced by fungi - can contaminate foodstuffs stored in hot, humid conditions and is a cause of liver cancer in many developing countries.

HOW MANY PEOPLE SURVIVE LIVER CANCER?

Liver cancer is often diagnosed late and so survival rates are poor. Around 5% of patients diagnosed with liver cancer survive their disease for five years or more or more.

One year survival rates for liver cancer have improved since the 1970s. Around 20% of patients survive their disease for at least one year, compared to less than 5% forty years ago.