Liver cancer rates in Southeast Asia are anticipated to double by 2050, potentially causing over 200,000 deaths annually, according to projections from the World Health Organization. This form of cancer is currently the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the region, which includes India, and ranks as the second deadliest cancer among men. In India, nearly 35,000 new liver cancer cases are reported annually, making it the eighth most common cancer.
The country’s current liver cancer incidence rate stands at 2.15 per 100,000, with a prevalence of 2.27 per 100,000, resulting in approximately 34,000 deaths each year.
Key Risk Factors for Liver Cancer Major risk factors for liver cancer include high alcohol consumption, hepatitis B infection, obesity, certain lifestyle habits, dietary choices, and exposure to environmental toxins. Alcohol-related liver cancer often follows cirrhosis, while hepatitis B is a significant cause of non-alcohol-related liver cancers. Late detection is a significant issue, as liver cancer symptoms often go unnoticed until the disease progresses.
In India, approximately 80% of liver cancer cases are diagnosed at stage 3 or 4. This is often due to delays in seeking medical assistance, with many patients initially turning to self-medication or alternative treatments. Types of Liver Cancer Liver cancer manifests primarily in two types: primary liver cancers, which originate in the liver itself, and metastatic liver cancers, which begin elsewh.