October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month

Liver Cancer Awareness Month, observed every October, serves as a crucial platform to raise awareness about liver cancer, its risk factors, and the importance of early detection and treatment.

With nearly 90,000 new cases and around 80,000 deaths annually in Europe alone, liver cancer is a significant health concern that often goes undetected until advanced stages. This month highlights the urgent need for increased public knowledge and proactive health measures.

The focus of this awareness month is on understanding key risk factors such as chronic viral infections (hepatitis B and C), excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and metabolic disorders. Campaigns promote preventive measures like vaccinations, regular screenings for at-risk populations, and healthy lifestyle choices. Collaboration among healthcare professionals is also emphasized to ensure comprehensive care and early diagnosis.

The overarching message of Liver Cancer Awareness Month is one of hope and action. Organizations mobilize resources to spread awareness through social media campaigns and community events, encouraging individuals to take charge of their liver health. By fostering education and advocacy, the campaign aims to empower communities to support those affected by liver cancer and work towards a future where this disease can be effectively prevented and treated.

Here are some key highlights to mark the beginning of Liver Cancer Awareness Month:

Elizabeth Hornsey:

“Liver Cancer Awareness Month.

Types and Prevalence:

Liver cancer primarily includes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is the most common, and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, originating in the bile ducts. HCC accounts for about 90% of primary liver cancers. Globally, liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer but ranks third in cancer-related deaths, largely due to late detection and its aggressive nature.

Statistics:

In 2024, approximately 41,630 new cases of liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancer are expected in the United States, representing about 2.1% of all new cancer cases. The death toll is estimated at around 29,840, which is 4.9% of all cancer deaths.

Worldwide, over 866,136 new cases were reported in 2022, with a significant portion linked to high-risk areas like Mongolia and Egypt due to high hepatitis B and C prevalence.

Risk Factors:

Chronic infections with hepatitis B or C are major contributors, alongside cirrhosis from any cause (alcohol, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, etc.). Other risk factors include aflatoxin exposure, heavy alcohol consumption, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and smoking.

Trends and Developments:

The incidence of liver cancer has been rising, particularly in regions with high rates of hepatitis B and C, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Recent discussions on platforms like X highlight concerns over rising cases linked to metabolic dysfunction, particularly metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).

There’s a noted increase in alcohol-related liver cancer and overall liver cancer rates, especially among younger populations, pointing towards broader health issues like “deaths of despair.”

Prevention and Detection:

Vaccination against hepatitis B, screening for hepatitis C, reducing alcohol and tobacco use, managing obesity, and treating underlying liver diseases are crucial for prevention.

Screening with ultrasound and alpha-fetoprotein tests for high-risk individuals (like those with cirrhosis) every six months is recommended, though its impact on reducing mortality is still debated in some populations.

Treatment and Prognosis:

Liver cancer’s five-year survival rate remains low due to late-stage diagnoses, with treatments like surgery, ablation, embolization, targeted therapies (e.g., sorafenib), and liver transplantation considered based on the cancer’s stage and liver function.

Research into molecular pathways has led to targeted therapies, but overall, the prognosis is poor for advanced stages, highlighting the need for early detection and prevention.”

World Hepatitis Alliance:

“It’s Liver Cancer Awareness Month.

Viral hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer globally. This October, let’s come together to raise our collective voice to increase awareness of liver cancer’s connection to viral hepatitis.

Our Community Impact Programme (CIP) e-learning now includes a new module on hepatitis and liver cancer. Developed with experts in the field, it provides further information on liver cancer, the role of hepatitis elimination in preventing liver cancer, and how you can take action.

The e-learning is open to all, and you can access the modules in English, French, and Spanish!

Learn more.”

Huntsman Cancer Institute:

“October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month. This weekend, the Beacon of Hope will shine green to honor those affected by liver cancer—our patients, their loved ones, and our dedicated care teams and researchers who work tirelessly to improve treatments and find a cure.”

Cancer Education and Research Institute:

“Hello everyone, welcome to October! October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month. Follow us throughout the month for information about liver cancer.

In the meantime, please feel free to read our articles on liver cancer and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.”

AstraZeneca:

“We are working to advance liver cancer treatments that give patients options for long-term survival and better quality of life.

Meet Andrea from Blue Faery: The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association which aims to raise awareness of clinical trials, treatment options, and assistance programs for patients with liver cancers. Together we aim to one day eliminate GI cancers.”

Isabelle Verbeke:

“October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month.

Your liver is essential to your health – don’t take it for granted! Early screening helps to catch problems before they become life-threatening. Let’s break the silence and take control of your health.”

Say YES to HOPE:

“It’s Liver Cancer Awareness Month and Becky Stickell is an amazing survivor!

She has had chemoembolization, radiofrequency ablation, 2 SIR-Spheres, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and a liver transplant!

She is celebrating 5 1/2 years post-transplant!”

Carlos Chamorro:

“October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month!

Protect Your Liver, Prevent Cancer!

Liver Cancer prevention begins with hashtag you. Let’s join forces to fight against the risk factors that increase the chances of liver cancer, such as:

• Chronic Hepatitis B, C and D infections
• Alcohol consumption
• Obesity
• MASLD, MASH
• Rare Liver Diseases

Early detection and awareness save lives. Together, we can raise awareness and reduce the burden of liver cancer.
Prevention Is Key is powerful!”

Shaibu Issa:

“Chronic hepatitis B can lead to liver failure, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer.

Liver cancer rates are rising around the globe, and the 300 million people worldwide living with hepatitis B are at increased risk. With a five-year survival rate for liver cancer of just 18%, raising awareness about prevention and early detection is critical. Spread the word and prioritize liver health this October!”

Sarah Miremadi:

“October: Cancer Awareness Month.

As we enter October, a month dedicated to raising awareness about cancer, I’d like to highlight some of the latest advancements in liver cancer treatment.

Liver cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, often developing in individuals who suffer from liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. Liver fibrosis is a dangerous condition that, if left untreated, can progress to cirrhosis and eventually lead to liver cancer.

In a recent study conducted by the Liver Group at Royan Institute, Shukoofeh Torabi, PhD et al. focused on an innovative approach involving extracellular vesicles (EVs).

This article investigates the effects of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from Wharton’s Jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) on human macrophages, particularly focusing on their anti-inflammatory properties and potential role in resolving liver fibrosis.

• WJ-MSC-derived EVs, especially EV20K, effectively induce a shift in macrophages towards an anti-inflammatory M2-like phenotype, enhancing their phagocytic capacity and interleukin-10 production compared to controls.
• The study demonstrates that these EVs can modulate the activity of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), potentially protecting against liver fibrosis by inhibiting HSC activation and promoting macrophage apoptosis.
• The researchers isolated two subsets of EVs using differential ultracentrifugation and assessed their effects on UCB-derived monocytes over a week, evaluating both functional characteristics and gene expression related to inflammation and fibrosis.

With ongoing research and advancements like these, there’s hope that we’ll see more effective treatments for liver cancer in the near future.”

Shaibu Issa:

“Liver cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Early testing and awareness are key. Together, we can reduce liver cancer deaths.”

Liver Cancer: What patients should know about