Lifestyle changes and vaccination ‘could prevent most liver cancer cases’

By Admin

29 Jul, 2025

Introduction

Liver cancer, a growing global health concern, is not only one of the deadliest forms of cancer but also one of the most preventable. According to the Lancet Commission on liver cancer, an estimated three in five liver cancer cases worldwide could be avoided through simple but effective public health strategies reducing obesity and alcohol consumption and improving hepatitis B vaccination coverage.

A Preventable Health Crisis

The Lancet Commission emphasizes that most liver cancer cases stem from preventable causes such as:

• Alcohol misuse
  
  

• Fatty liver disease
  
  

• Viral hepatitis B and C
  
  

The commission estimates that implementing targeted prevention strategies could reduce liver cancer incidence by 2% to 5% annually by 2050, thereby preventing 9 to 17 million new cases and saving 8 to 15 million lives.

Alarming Statistics and Growing Threats

Liver cancer is currently the sixth most common cancer globally and the third leading cause of cancer-related death. Deaths are predicted to rise from 760,000 in 2022 to 1.37 million by 2050, largely due to aging populations and demographic changes. The global burden is particularly severe in China, which accounts for over 40% of all liver cancer cases due to high hepatitis B infection rates.

Root Causes: From Hepatitis to Obesity

The nature of liver cancer is shifting. Traditionally linked to hepatitis infections and alcohol, the fastest-growing contributor today is fatty liver disease, particularly Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This condition, driven by poor diet and sedentary lifestyle, affects one-third of the global population.

Only 20–30% of MASLD patients progress to MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis), which can directly lead to liver cancer. The proportion of liver cancer cases caused by MASH is projected to rise from 8% in 2022 to 11% by 2050.

Alcohol-related liver cancers are also on the rise, with projections increasing from 19% to 21% by 2050. Meanwhile, hepatitis B and C-related cases are expected to decline slightly but will still remain significant contributors.

Call to Action: Prevention Over Cure

Given the low five-year survival rates for liver cancer ranging from just 5% to 30% prevention is critical. The Lancet Commission recommends the following policy actions:

• Boost hepatitis B vaccination, especially in regions with high prevalence
  
  

• Implement universal screening for hepatitis in adults
  
  

• Introduce sugar taxes and minimum alcohol pricing to reduce consumption
  
  

• Invest in early liver damage and cancer detection
  
  

• Enhance palliative care services for patients
  
  

These proactive strategies have shown promise elsewhere. For example, Japan has successfully lowered liver cancer death rates through early detection and strong public health policies.

Conclusion: A Path Forward

Liver cancer remains one of the few cancers with clearly identifiable and preventable risk factors. As Prof. Valérie Paradis notes, “With joint and continuous efforts, we believe many liver cancer cases can be prevented, and both the survival and quality of patients with liver cancer will be considerably improved.”

This is a powerful reminder that healthier lifestyles, broader vaccination coverage, and effective public policy could transform the future trajectory of liver cancer worldwide. With action today, millions of lives could be saved tomorrow.