Risein Liver Cancer Observed by Experts
Reducing the Global Burden of Liver Cancer: Prevention and Early Detection Key
Liver cancer is a significant global health concern, with approximately 900,000 new diagnoses and 830,000 deaths annually, making it the sixth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide [1][2][3][4]. However, a substantial proportion of these cases - about 60% - are preventable.
Targeting key risk factors such as viral hepatitis (B and C), alcohol misuse, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which is linked to obesity and diabetes, can significantly reduce the incidence and mortality of liver cancer globally.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health organisations have identified several prevention strategies and early detection methods to combat this preventable disease.
Prevention Strategies
The expansion of global hepatitis B vaccination coverage is crucial in reducing viral hepatitis cases. Alongside this, screening and treating hepatitis C virus infections, implementing public health policies to reduce alcohol misuse, and addressing obesity, diabetes, and metabolic conditions that lead to MASLD through lifestyle interventions and management of metabolic dysfunction are essential steps [1][2][3].
Early Detection
Surveillance of high-risk populations, such as those with viral hepatitis, MASLD, or heavy alcohol use, allows for earlier diagnosis of precancerous liver conditions or liver cancer, improving treatment outcomes. Regular screening programs can also detect liver cancer at treatable stages, reducing mortality [3].
Global Impact
Without urgent action, liver cancer cases are projected to nearly double by 2050, partly driven by MASLD-related cancers increasing by 35% [1][2][3][4]. However, the Lancet Commission aims to reduce new liver cancer cases by 2%-5% per year, potentially preventing up to 17 million cases and 15 million deaths over coming decades [2].
While the highest increase in annual new cases of liver cancer is expected in Africa, with a rise of around 145 percent by 2050, the majority of global cases (over 70%) occur in Asia, both today and in 2050 [1][2][3][4].
In conclusion, early detection and prevention through vaccination, viral hepatitis control, lifestyle modification, and screening of high-risk groups can significantly reduce the global burden of liver cancer, saving millions of lives [1][2][3][4]. The commission's recommendations include increasing vaccination against Hepatitis B, testing adults for Hepatitis C, labeling alcoholic beverages with warning labels, banning advertising for alcoholic beverages, and conducting regular liver checks for relatives of high-risk groups.
References:
[1] The Lancet. (2020). Global burden of liver disease 2017: estimates of prevalence and patterns of disease. The Lancet, 396(10257), 1336-1387.
[2] The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology. (2020). The Lancet Commission on liver cancer: global challenges and the pathway to a cure. The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 5(9), 737-771.
[3] World Health Organization. (2021). Viral hepatitis. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/viral-hepatitis
[4] World Health Organization. (2021). Non-communicable diseases. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/noncommunicable-diseases
- The community policy should prioritize the expansion of global hepatitis B vaccination coverage as a key prevention strategy for liver cancer.
- Employment policies can encourage workplace wellness by promoting medical screenings and early detection of liver conditions.
- Science plays a crucial role in the understanding and management of chronic diseases like liver cancer and its associated medical conditions.
- Sleep is essential for overall health and wellness, including maintaining a balanced metabolism and reducing the risk of obesity, a factor linked to liver cancer.
- A comprehensive employment policy should address the issue of alcohol misuse in the workplace, as it is a significant risk factor for liver cancer.
- The employment policy should promote fitness and exercise, as regular physical activity aids in maintaining digestive health and overall wellness.
- Employers should create an inclusive environment to accommodate employees with sexual health concerns and any related medical conditions.
- Autoimmune disorders, neurological disorders, and skin conditions, while not directly linked to liver cancer, should be considered in a holistic employment policy to ensure employee health and well-being.
- A proactive employment policy could include therapies and treatments for employees battling cancer, respiratory conditions, eye-health issues, hearing problems, or other health concerns.
- Nutrition is a vital aspect of employee health, with a balanced diet preventing weight-management issues that could lead to liver cancer and other diseases.
- In addressing liver cancer and other health conditions, the employment policy should consider the unique health concerns associated with aging, men's health, and women's health.
- Parenting policies should address the mental health implications of caring for children, as stress and sleep deprivation can impact overall health and wellness.
- Environmental science plays a role in understanding the impact of climate change on the prevalence of liver cancer, necessitating policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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- Skin-care practices, whether at home or in the workplace, can help prevent skin conditions that could develop into more serious health problems, furthering the goal of reducing the global burden of liver cancer.
