Thailand led medical study finds that liver cancer is now a major health issue in the Asia-Pacific region

Thailand Medical: Primary liver cancer is a critical public health issue in the Asia-Pacific region, home to more than half of the world's population. Recent findings reveal alarming trends in the epidemiology of this deadly disease. Thai researchers from institutions including Chiang Mai University-Thailand, Prince of Songkla University-Thailand, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center-USA and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center-USA conducted an extensive study on the changing patterns of liver cancer in the region, with a focus on the period from 2010 to 2019. This Thailand Medical News report delves into the key findings of the study, highlighting the pressing need for targeted interventions to curb the rising incidence of this life-threatening condition.


Thailand led medical study finds that liver cancer is now a major health issue in the
Asia-Pacific region

Epidemiological Shifts: A Decade of Change
The Asia-Pacific region has seen significant shifts in liver cancer trends over the past decade. The study revealed that in 2019 alone, there were approximately 364,700 new cases of primary liver cancer and 324,100 deaths, representing 68% and 67% of the global totals, respectively. Notably, this study highlights that 17% of new cases were reported in individuals aged 15–49 years, a concerning trend given the typically lower incidence in this age group.
 
The study shows that the age-standardized incidence rates of primary liver cancer have been rising, particularly due to metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). The Western Pacific region, in particular, has seen a noticeable increase in liver cancer cases linked to Hepatitis B virus infection. Despite these concerning trends, there has been a slight overall decline in the burden of primary liver cancer in the region, primarily driven by better management of viral hepatitis.
 
Impact of Risk Factors: Metabolic Syndrome and Alcohol Consumption
One of the most striking findings of the study is the significant role that metabolic syndrome and alcohol consumption play in the increasing incidence of liver cancer in the Asia-Pacific region. The rise in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) is particularly troubling, as it reflects broader lifestyle changes, including increased alcohol intake and unhealthy diets.
 
The study found that in the Western Pacific region, the incidence of liver cancer due to MASLD and ALD increased by 0.91% and 0.74% annually, respectively. These trends highlight the urgent need for public health interventions that address lifestyle factors contributing to liver disease. Furthermore, while the burden of viral hepatitis remains high, particularly Hepatitis B, there has been a notable increase in liver cancer cases linked to non-viral causes, underscoring the complexity of the disease's epidemiology in the region.
 
Regional Disparities: A Tale of Two Regions
The study also uncovered significant disparities in liver cancer trends between Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. While Southeast Asia experienced a slight decline in liver cancer incidence, the Western Pacific region saw a stable or even increasing trend in certain areas. This divergence is particularly evident in the incidence of liver cancer among younger populations.
 
In Southeast Asia, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of liver cancer decreased by 0.34% annually from 2010 to 2019. In contrast, the Western Pacific region reported stable or rising ASIR, with an annual increase of 1.69% in young adults aged 15-49 years. This finding is concerning, as it suggests that younger populations in the Western Pacific are becoming increasingly vulnerable to liver cancer, possibly due to lifestyle factors such as diet and alcohol consumption.
 
Young Adults at Risk: A Worrying Trend
The increasing incidence of liver cancer among young adults in the Western Pacific is a particularly alarming trend. The study found that this demographic accounted for 17% of all liver cancer cases in the Asia-Pacific region, a significantly higher proportion than in other parts of the world. The reasons behind this trend are not entirely clear, but researchers speculate that it may be linked to the rising prevalence of metabolic disorders and lifestyle-related risk factors.
 
This demographic is especially vulnerable because they often face barriers to accessing timely and appropriate care. The social and financial challenges faced by young adults can delay diagnosis and treatment, exacerbating the impact of the disease. The study emphasizes the need for targeted public health interventions that focus on prevention and early detection among young populations in the region.
 
The Road Ahead: Policy and Public Health Interventions
The findings of this study underscore the urgent need for comprehensive public health strategies to address the rising burden of liver cancer in the Asia-Pacific region. Given the complex interplay of viral and non-viral factors driving the disease, a multi-faceted approach is necessary.
 
Public health policies should prioritize the prevention and management of metabolic syndrome and alcohol-related liver disease, which are major contributors to the increasing incidence of liver cancer. This could include public awareness campaigns promoting healthy lifestyles, stricter regulation of alcohol sales, and the implementation of screening programs for high-risk populations.
 
At the same time, efforts to control viral hepatitis must continue and expand. The success of hepatitis B vaccination programs has already contributed to a decline in liver cancer cases in some parts of the region, and similar initiatives should be rolled out more broadly. Additionally, there is a need for improved access to antiviral treatments and regular monitoring for those already infected.
 
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The Asia-Pacific region faces a significant public health challenge with the rising incidence of primary liver cancer. The study's findings highlight the importance of understanding the evolving epidemiology of the disease and the need for targeted interventions to mitigate its impact. As the burden of liver cancer continues to grow, particularly among younger populations, there is an urgent need for coordinated action at both the regional and national levels.
 
Comprehensive strategies that address both viral and non-viral risk factors, promote early detection, and ensure access to appropriate care are essential to reducing the incidence and mortality of liver cancer in the Asia-Pacific region.
 
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Scientific Reports.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1038/s41598-024-70526-z
 
For the latest on Liver Cancer, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
 
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/tryptophan-restriction-shows-promise-in-halting-liver-cancer-growth
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/steroid-abuse-linked-to-liver-cancer