Preventable Factors Play Major Role in Liver Cancer Cases, New Analysis Finds

Recent research published in The Lancet highlights that the majority of liver cancer cases worldwide could be avoided by addressing key modifiable risk factors. Analyzing data from the Lancet Commission on liver cancer, experts emphasize that viral hepatitis infections, alcohol use, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)—previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease—are responsible for over 60% of liver cancer incidences.

The study underscores the rising impact of MASLD, especially its severe form called MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis). MASH has become a leading cause of liver cancer globally, with projections indicating its contribution to future cases rising from 8% in 2022 to 11% by 2050. Similarly, alcohol-related liver cancer, currently accounting for around 19% of cases, is expected to increase slightly to 21% in the same period.

Conversely, the percentage of liver cancer attributed to hepatitis B (HBV) is anticipated to decrease marginally from 39% to 37%, and that linked to hepatitis C (HCV) from 29% to 26%, thanks to improved vaccination and treatment efforts. Nonetheless, the prevalence of MASLD is climbing due to increasing obesity rates, especially in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. It is estimated that by 2040, over 55% of U.S. adults could have MASLD.

The authors advocate for accelerated public health interventions such as expanding hepatitis B vaccination coverage, implementing policies to curb obesity and alcohol consumption, and promoting routine screening for liver damage among high-risk populations. These strategies could significantly reduce liver cancer incidence, which is expected to nearly double by 2050, growing from 870,000 cases in 2022 to over 1.52 million, with associated deaths rising from 760,000 to approximately 1.37 million.

Liver cancer remains a major cause of cancer-related death, ranking as the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer mortality. The disease disproportionately affects regions with high hepatitis B prevalence, notably China. Experts warn that without aggressive preventative measures, the global burden will continue to escalate.

The Lancet Commission emphasizes the importance of comprehensive strategies spanning vaccination, lifestyle modifications, early detection, and treatment improvements. As Prof Jian Zhou from Fudan University states, preventing these cases through targeted interventions can save millions of lives and substantially reduce the global health impact of liver cancer.