Three in 5 cases of ‘most challenging cancer to treat' could be prevented, scientists say – how to slash your risk today
But three in five cases are due to preventable risk factors, they add.
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Liver cancer is a major cause of death and disability.
Globally, it's the sixth most common cancer and the third leading cause of death from cancer.
And it's considered one of the most challenging cancers to treat due to late diagnosis, the liver's complex anatomy, and the aggressiveness of the disease.
Analyses predicts the number of new liver cancer cases will nearly double from 870,000 in 2022 to 1.52 million in 2050, primarily due to population growth and ageing populations.
However, a new analysis as part of The Lancet Commission on liver cancer suggests the majority of liver cancer cases could be prevented by reducing levels of viral hepatitis, alcohol consumption and MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease – previously called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Chair of the Commission, Prof Jian Zhou, Fudan University, China, said: 'Liver cancer is a growing health issue around the world.
"It is one of the most challenging cancers to treat, with five-year survival rates ranging from approximately 5 per cent to 30 per cent.
"We risk seeing close to a doubling of cases and deaths from liver cancer over the next quarter of a century without urgent action to reverse this trend.'
First author, Prof Stephen Chan, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China, added: 'As three in five cases of liver cancer are linked to preventable risk factors, mostly viral hepatitis, alcohol and obesity, there is a huge opportunity for countries to target these risk factors, prevent cases of liver cancer and save lives.'
Liver cancer was previously thought to occur mainly in patients with viral hepatitis or alcohol-related liver disease.
Today, rising rates of obesity are an increasing risk factor, mainly due to the increase in cases of excess fat around the liver.
MASLD
MASLD is primarily caused by the buildup of fat in the liver, a condition often linked to metabolic risk factors such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Approximately a third of the global population are estimated to have it.
But only 20 to 30 per cent of patients with MASLD develop the more severe form of the condition with liver inflammation and damage - called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
The rate of MASLD-linked liver cancer is expected to rise over the next decade, particularly in the USA, Europe, and Asia, due to increasing rates of obesity.
In the USA, MASLD prevalence continues to climb in parallel with the obesity epidemic; by 2040, over 55 per cent of US adults could have MASLD.
Commission author, Prof Hashem B El-Serag, Baylor College of Medicine, USA, said: "One approach to identify patients at high risk of liver cancer would be to introduce screening for liver damage into routine healthcare practice for patients at high risk of MASLD, such as individuals living with obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
"Healthcare professionals should also integrate lifestyle counselling into routine care to support patients to transition to a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
"Furthermore, policy makers must promote healthy food environments via policies such as sugar taxes and clear labelling on products with high fat, salt, and/or sugar.'
Commenting on the study, Pamela Healy, chief executive of the British Liver Trust, said: "Liver cancer is the fastest rising cause of cancer death in the UK, and just 13 per cent of people diagnosed will survive for five years or more.
"We know that the biggest risk factors are having pre-existing liver cirrhosis or viral hepatitis, and this new analysis highlights that MASLD, also known as fatty liver disease, is expected to be linked to an increasing number of cases.
"As well as improving early detection through surveillance of people with cirrhosis, it is essential that we tackle these underlying causes and prioritise public health.
"By supporting people to maintain a healthy weight, cut down on alcohol and get tested and treated for hepatitis, we can prevent many cases of liver cancer and save lives."
How to reduce the risk of obesity
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Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, including balanced nutrition and regular physical activity can help prevent obesity.
Focus on whole, unprocessed foods, control portion sizes, and reduce intake of sugary drinks and processed foods.
Also, aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity.
Getting enough sleep and managing stress can also help.
How to cut down on alcohol
If you regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week, the NHS recommends some simple tips to help you cut down.
These include making a plan before you start drinking - set a limit on how much you're going to drink.
Letting friends and family know you're cutting down so you can get support from them.
And going for smaller-sized drinks and alcohol with a lower strength (ABV in %).
How to prevent viral hepatitis
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To prevent viral hepatitis, focus on vaccination for hepatitis A and B, practising safe sex, and avoiding contact with infected blood.
Vaccines for hepatitis A and B are available and highly effective.
There isn't a vaccine for hepatitis C, so prevention relies on other measures.
Use condoms consistently and correctly to prevent the transmission of hepatitis B and C through sexual contact.
Avoid sharing needles and other injection equipment, and ensure proper sanitation and hygiene practices, particularly when travelling to areas with higher risk of hepatitis A and E.
Being aware of the symptoms of liver cancer, should they arise, may also help you get treated quicker...
LIVER CANCER: THE RISKS AND SYMPTOMS
LIVER cancer is one of only a few common types of tumour that have increasing death rates.
Experts say unhealthy living, including obesity, drinking alcohol and smoking are fuelling a rise in cases and deaths from the disease.
What increases the risk of liver cancer?
What are the most common symptoms?
Jaundice – your skin and whites of your eyes turn yellow
Darker wee and/or paler poo than usual
Itchy skin
Loss of appetite and/or feeling sick
Unexplained weight loss
Feeling tired or low on energy all the time
A lump in the right side of your tummy
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