DATA show that at least 60% of liver cancer diagnoses are linked to modifiable risk factors and could be prevented through global interventions. Liver cancer, the sixth most common malignancy worldwide (870,000 new diagnoses in 2022), caused nearly 760,000 deaths in 2022, making it the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths. Following current trends, these numbers would increase to 1.52 million diagnoses and 1.37 million deaths by 2050. It is therefore crucial that risk factors such as hepatitis B and C, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), alcohol consumption, and environmental exposures are addressed.
Researchers identified hepatitis B virus as the primary cause of liver cancer, having caused 39.0% of cases in 2022, followed by hepatitis C virus (29.1%), alcohol use (18.8%), and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH, a severe form of MASLD; 8.0%). While the number of cases linked to hepatitis B and C is predicted to drop by 2050 (36.9% and 25.9%, respectively), cases linked to alcohol use and MASH are likely to increase (21.1% and 10.8%, respectively). Given that these risk factors are modifiable, researchers estimate that at least 60% of diagnoses could be prevented.
A list of 10 recommendations was proposed to reduce the disease burden, including improved screening and treatment for hepatitis B and C, and more funding for the hepatitis B vaccine; monitoring patients at high risk for hepatocellular carcinoma, in particular people with cirrhosis; labelling products with high fat, salt, or sugar, and sugar taxes; better screening for MASLD and MASH, especially in those with obesity or diabetes; implementing minimum alcohol unit pricing, restricting advertising, and introducing warning labels on alcoholic beverages; and expanding education and training in palliative care.
Researchers hope that raising awareness of this burden can help achieve a 2–5% reduction in hepatocellular carcinoma incidence by 2050. This could prevent 8.8–17.3 million new cases and save 7.7–15.1 million lives globally.
Reference:
Lam Chan S et al. The Lancet commission on addressing the global hepatocellular carcinoma burden: comprehensive strategies from prevention to treatment. Lancet. 2025;DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(25)01042-6.
