While the overall incidence of cancer in the U.S. has decreased, liver cancer has seen a 48% increase since 2000. A recent study, published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, delves into the racial and ethnic differences in liver cancer trends. The study, led by Paulo Pinheiro, MD, PhD, from the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami, found that while liver cancer due to hepatitis C has declined since 2015, cases from fatty-liver disease have increased, reflecting the rise in obesity and diabetes.
The research emphasized that race, birthplace, and socioeconomic factors play a significant role in liver cancer causes. For instance, liver cancer caused by hepatitis B is the leading type among Asians and Haitian-born Black men. The study also highlighted the importance of screening for hepatitis B and C, especially in high-risk groups.