Liver cancer rates in Australia reach shocking level

Liver cancer has claimed a shocking number of lives across Australia over the past two decades, with new research suggesting deaths have more-than doubled since 1993.

While breast and prostate cancer may be some of the most talked about cancers in the country, liver cancer is beginning to creep its way up there, with more than 2,000 new cases of the disease expected to be diagnosed this year. 

Perhaps unbeknown to some, a primary cause of this type of cancer is the viral infection Hepatitis B and C, as well as obesity, which has been a problem in Australia for many years.

However, according to international researchers at the University Health Network in Canada, the only way to change the bleak survival rates of liver cancer is to target the viral infection first.

“While the obesity epidemic is showing no signs of abating, we could make a huge impact on future liver cancer rates by investing more resources in screening and diagnosis of hepatitis B and C,” Dr Morris Sherman said. “But it will take an enormous effort to find even a significant proportion of these undiagnosed patients.”

Coupled with a lack of liver specialists, Dr Sherman said action needs to be taken before numbers skyrocket.

“Many of these liver cancers strike people in their 50s, when they are still of working age. So families are not only in danger of losing a loved one, but that loved one could be the main bread winner in their family unit,” he added.

In good news, the Centre for Disease Analysis (CDA) Foundation in the USA has found Australia is on the right path to eliminate Hepatitis C by 2030, meaning liver cancer rates could also see a decrease.

The data, published on Scimex, has shown Australia is one of 12 countries across the world with a possibility of meeting its goal to reduce hep C rates, with programs in place and significant treatment options.

According to CDA Managing Director Dr Homie Razavi, national screening campaigns are the only way to compile a thorough account of those infected.

“Screening and diagnosing new patients is the key factor. The drop in treatment is mainly due to those already diagnosed completing treatment, leading to countries running out of patients,” he said.

“It takes an incredible dedication to public health to provide sufficient resources to eliminate Hepatitis C by 2030.”

Do you know someone who has/had liver cancer? Was it linked to Hepatitis B/C?