HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA surveillance faced important patient knowledge and accessibility challenges in the UK, with only 61.4% of surveyed patients reporting attendance every 6 months and just 15% correctly identifying liver cancer detection as the purpose of surveillance.
Researchers conducted a prospective, multicentre questionnaire study to characterise patients attending hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ultrasound surveillance, explore their experiences, and identify perceived barriers to attendance. Adult patients undergoing primary or secondary surveillance were enrolled across 12 UK centres between February–July 2024.
A total of 832 patients participated. The median age was 61.2 years (interquartile range: 54–70), 57.2% were male, and 74.1% were White British. Overall, 18.3% had attained tertiary level education, while 21.2% were in full time paid employment.
Despite undergoing HCC surveillance, substantial gaps emerged in patients’ understanding of its purpose. Almost half of respondents, at 49.3%, reported receiving both written and verbal information explaining why surveillance was required.
However, only 15% correctly identified detection of liver cancer as the reason for surveillance. Furthermore, 61.4% reported attending surveillance ultrasound every 6 months.
Preferences for receiving results also varied. The most frequently selected option was receiving results from a liver doctor or nurse, reported by 43.6% of respondents. A further 23.6% preferred to receive their results from the scan operator.
Overall, 12.6% of respondents reported having previously missed a surveillance scan. Among this group, feeling unwell was the most commonly reported reason, affecting 29.5%. Forgetting the appointment accounted for 20% of missed scans, while transport difficulties were reported by 16.2%.
Transport also presented challenges for current appointments. The median travel time to surveillance was 30 minutes, and 11.1% of all respondents reported experiencing transport difficulties.
The researchers concluded that the findings highlighted both knowledge gaps and practical barriers affecting HCC ultrasound surveillance. As the first multicentre UK study to examine patient experiences of this surveillance, the analysis provides a foundation for improving accessibility and implementation. The findings also indicated opportunities to strengthen patient communication around the purpose of surveillance and address practical factors that may prevent attendance.
Reference
Aslam A et al. Patient experiences, understanding of and barriers to hepatocellular carcinoma ultrasound surveillance: a multicentre United Kingdom (UK) survey. Clin Radiol. 2026;101(1):107448.
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