On World Hepatitis Day (July 28), a landmark global
report on liver cancer was published in The Lancet, marking the first
time in over two centuries that a global health study in the journal was led
by Chinese experts. Titled "The Lancet Commission on addressing the
global hepatocellular carcinoma burden," the report lays out a
comprehensive international roadmap for preventing and controlling liver
cancer, one of the deadliest yet often overlooked global diseases.
Co-chaired by Fan Jia of the Chinese Academy of
Sciences, the commission included 51 experts from countries including
Japan, South Korea, the U.S., and Spain. Unlike traditional academic reviews,
this report offers actionable public health strategies with a clear
emphasis on implementation.
Liver Cancer: A Global Health Crisis
Liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC),
causes approximately 870,000 new cases and 760,000 deaths worldwide
every year. Without urgent intervention, this burden could rise to 1.52
million new cases and 1.37 million deaths by 2050.
The report highlights changing causes behind liver cancer.
While hepatitis B and C infections remain leading risks, conditions such
as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and alcohol
abuse are rising contributors. Unhealthy lifestyles and obesity are also
accelerating global liver cancer incidence.
A Three-Tiered Global Strategy
The Commission proposes a bold three-level approach
to reverse the growing trend:
- Prevention:
Expand hepatitis B vaccination, promote antiviral treatment
for HBV/HCV, and raise awareness about unhealthy diets and alcohol
consumption.
- Early
Detection: Integrate liver fibrosis screening into routine
health checks for high-risk groups (e.g., diabetics, obese individuals),
and adopt non-invasive tests to increase screening accessibility.
- Treatment
Access: Strengthen treatment systems through better drug
availability, equity in care, and early palliative care
integration.
Why This Report Matters
This research is a milestone not just for its global scope,
but for its practical orientation. China’s experience in HBV
vaccination, early screening, and chronic disease management is showcased as a
model for global adoption.
The Commission estimates that reducing incidence rates by
just 2% annually could prevent 8.8 million cases and 7.7 million
deaths over the next 25 years.
In the battle against liver cancer, this report signals
hope—combining science, policy, and global collaboration to fight one of
the most preventable deadly cancers of our time.
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