Discover How Lifestyle Changes and Vaccination Can Significantly Reduce Your Risk of Liver Cancer

A recent study highlights that three out of five liver cancer cases worldwide could be avoided. The key? Tackling obesity, reducing alcohol intake, and getting more people vaccinated against hepatitis. The Lancet Commission on Liver Cancer emphasizes these points, suggesting major lifestyle changes can cut liver cancer rates significantly.

Professor Jian Zhou from Fudan University, who led the study, warns that liver cancer is becoming a bigger problem globally. Currently, survival rates are low, with just 5% to 30% of patients successfully living five years after diagnosis. Without changing our approach, we might see cases and deaths nearly double in the next 25 years.

Liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer deaths. In 2022, there were about 760,000 reported deaths; this could rise to 1.37 million by 2050. The rise is largely driven by population growth and ageing, especially in Africa, where cases are sharply increasing. Notably, over 40% of liver cancer cases occur in China, linked to high hepatitis B rates.

One alarming trend is the rise of fatty liver disease, fueled by increasing obesity. One-third of people globally may face this condition, known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Thankfully, a healthy diet and regular exercise can help prevent it. However, there’s a risk: 20% to 30% of those with MASLD will progress to the more severe form, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which is linked to liver cancer. The proportion of liver cancer related to MASH is expected to grow from 8% in 2022 to 11% by 2050.

Alcohol consumption also plays a significant role, with liver cancer cases related to alcohol set to rise from 19% in 2022 to 21% in 2050. Conversely, cases tied to hepatitis B and C are expected to decline, indicating a potential shift in risk factors.

Professor Hashem B El-Serag from Baylor College emphasizes the changing landscape of liver cancer. No longer limited to just viral hepatitis or alcohol, rising obesity rates are now major contributors, especially due to increased fat around the liver.

The commission recommends steps like boosting hepatitis B vaccinations, implementing universal screenings, introducing taxes on sugary drinks, and enhancing palliative care for patients. Professor Valérie Paradis insists there’s an urgent need for society to understand the rising threat of liver cancer.

Dr. Matt Hoare from the University of Cambridge points out that liver cancer’s death rate is still on the rise. He notes that successful public health policies, like those in Japan that improved early detection and preventive measures, could serve as a model. His research team is working on new methods, including using DNA sequencing, to identify at-risk patients.

Addressing liver cancer requires combined efforts across society. With more awareness and preventive measures, many cases could be prevented, improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.



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