In 2020, more than 905,700 people received a diagnosis of liver cancer worldwide and 830,200 patients have died. According to IARC forecasts, in 2040, 1.4 million people could be diagnosed and 1.3 million people could die from it. »
Liver cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death worldwide…even though it could be prevented. While the actions of the World Health Organization to combat the 2 main risk factors, namely the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), are bearing fruit, others dangers are gaining ground.
Diabetes, obesity, alcohol
Thereby, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and obesity, could contribute to an increase in cases of liver cancer. Furthermore, a recent IARC study on the role of alcohol suggested that 17% of all cases of liver cancer diagnosed in 2020 could have been prevented by reducing consumption. Note in passing that smoking is also an important cause of liver cancer.
Finally, let’s not forget that survival from liver cancer remains low. Therefore, primary prevention is essential.
For Harriet Rumgay, epidemiologist at IARC and author of this work, “ these predictions underscore the need to urgently strengthen current prevention measures, such as vaccination, screening and treatment of HBV and HCV infection, as well as measures to reduce alcohol consumption in population. »