A recent study published in The Lancet medical journal delivers a stark warning. The number of people with liver cancer could nearly double worldwide by 2050. This surge will occur unless more is done to address preventable causes. Such causes include obesity, alcohol consumption, and hepatitis.
Liver cancer is currently the sixth most common form of the disease. New cases are projected to rise to 1.52 million annually. This is a significant increase from 870,000 cases currently. Furthermore, it ranks as the third deadliest of all cancers. The study predicts it will claim 1.37 million lives by mid-century.
Preventable Causes: A Call to Action
An international team of experts offers a hopeful outlook. They state that three out of five liver cancer cases are preventable. Key risk factors include drinking alcohol and viral hepatitis. Also, a build-up of fat in the liver, known as MASLD, poses a significant threat. MASLD was formerly called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
The viruses causing hepatitis B and C are critical culprits. These are expected to remain the leading causes of liver cancer by 2050. This alarming fact was highlighted as the study released on World Hepatitis Day.
Tackling Hepatitis and Alcohol
Vaccination at birth offers the best way to prevent hepatitis B. However, vaccine coverage remains low in poorer countries. This includes many nations in sub-Saharan Africa. Unless vaccination rates increase significantly, hepatitis B poses a severe threat. It could tragically kill 17 million people between 2015 and 2030.
Alcohol consumption also contributes greatly to liver cancer. It is estimated to cause over 21 percent of all cases by 2050. This marks a concerning rise of more than two percentage points from 2022. Addressing alcohol use is therefore crucial for prevention.
The Growing Threat of Obesity-Linked Liver Disease
Cancer linked to obesity-related liver fat, or MASLD, is also on the rise. Researchers calculated this will account for 11 percent of liver cancer cases. This also represents an increase of more than two percentage points. The global obesity epidemic fuels this concerning trend.
This large-scale study reviewed all available evidence. Its authors underscored an “urgent need for global action” on liver cancer. The report emphasizes collective responsibility in prevention.
Experts are calling for increased public awareness. People need to understand the preventable danger of liver cancer. They particularly warn individuals with obesity or diabetes. Education on fatty-liver disease is critical in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Promoting healthier lifestyles can significantly reduce future liver cancer burdens.