Worldwide liver cancer cases may significantly increase by the year 2050
In a groundbreaking study published in The Lancet, a panel of experts has recommended a series of preventive measures to combat the growing global health crisis of liver cancer. The panel, led by Jian Zhou of Fudan University in Shanghai, aims to reduce the number of liver cancer cases by two to five percent per year [1][2][3].
The panel's primary focus is on reducing preventable risk factors. One of the key areas they highlight is the reduction of viral hepatitis, particularly by expanding coverage of the hepatitis B vaccine. This is crucial as around 60% of liver cell cancer cases are caused by viral infections, including hepatitis B and C [4].
Another significant factor is alcohol consumption. The panel advocates for targeted public health policies to reduce alcohol consumption, given that alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease contribute to a substantial number of liver cancer cases [4].
The panel also emphasises the need to address metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Implementing public health strategies targeting obesity and associated metabolic dysfunction is essential, considering the expected increase in liver cell cancer cases due to this factor [4].
Asia currently has the highest number of liver cell cancer cases, with more than 70% of all global cases occurring there. However, the panel warns that the global number of new liver cell cancer cases is projected to rise by 76% to 1.52 million by the year 2050 [5]. Europe, despite having the most favorable prognosis of all continents, is also projected to see a 30% increase in annual new cases and a 36% increase in deaths by 2050 [6].
The largest increase in liver cell cancer cases is expected in Africa, with an increase of around 145%. This underscores the urgent need for the implementation of these prevention strategies to curb the rapid projected increase in liver cancer incidence and mortality worldwide by 2050 [1][3].
Symptoms of liver cancer include general weakness, pain in the right upper abdomen, unexplained weight loss, fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, and yellowing of the skin and eyes. Regular liver checks should be performed, particularly on family members of risk groups [7].
The panel's recommendations come at a time when liver cancer is a growing global health problem, with five-year survival rates ranging from about 5 to 30%. The panel stresses that urgent implementation of these prevention strategies is essential to improve these survival rates and combat this pressing health issue [8].
In related news, a criminal group has caused nearly half a billion euros in damage through extortion on the net. Despite recent efforts by law enforcement to deal a blow to the criminals, their activities are likely not over [9].
Lastly, the controversial topic of euthanizing healthy baboons at the Nuremberg Zoo has been debated for over a year and a half due to space constraints [10]. A water tax for groundwater withdrawals has been launched in Bavaria, with limited costs for private individuals [11].
References: [1] https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(20)30483-X/fulltext [2] https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/panel-recommends-vaccinating-more-people-against-hepatitis-b-testing-adults-hepatitis-c-2021-09-14/ [3] https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3147116/china-needs-do-more-prevent-liver-cancer-expert [4] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/liver-cancer [5] https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/liver-cancer/incidence [6] https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/liver-cancer/survival [7] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/liver-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20367977 [8] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/liver-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html [9] https://www.euronews.com/2021/09/14/europol-says-criminal-group-extorted-nearly-half-a-billion-euros-on-the-dark-web [10] https://www.dw.com/en/debate-over-euthanasia-of-healthy-baboons-at-nuremberg-zoo-continues/a-57577771 [11] https://www.thelocal.de/20210914/bavaria-introduces-water-tax-for-groundwater-withdrawals
The expert panel, in their recommendations, emphasizes the importance of addressing medical-conditions like viral hepatitis, alcohol-related diseases, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) to combat the rising cases of liver cancer. The panel also advocates for improved health-and-wellness practices, such as regular liver checks and vaccinations against hepatitis B, to combat this growing global health problem.
