Molecular epidemiology of liver cancer: Liver cancer incidence and mortality pattern worldwide

Abstract

Primary liver cancer was the sixth most prevalent cancer and third leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. The highest rates of incidence and mortality were reported in Eastern Asia and it was 2 to 3 times more common than females in most regions. The summary estimates of the global trends in incidence rates of liver cancer indicated decreasing trends in many Asian high-risk countries, however increasing trends for North American and European countries. Understanding the several involved cells signaling pathways in liver cancer pathogenesis provide an opportunity to identify novel targets that can be utilized for therapeutic and diagnostic modalities. At this time there are only a few effective strategies to prevent or treat liver cancer, and, therefore, a great deal of research is being conducted on liver cancer early detection and prevention. There are no widely recommended screening tests for liver cancer in people who are at average risk at this time. But, testing might be recommended for some people at higher risk. However researchers are studying ways to prevent or treat hepatitis infections before they cause liver cancers. Research into developing a vaccine to prevent hepatitis C is ongoing. Since population-based methods for screening the disease have not been introduced, the greatest focus should be placed on the predominant risk factors for the disease in older men, further studies should be conducted and high-risk provinces should be spotlighted.