16.11.2024 - A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology has highlighted the substantial public health challenge posed by liver cancer attributable to alcohol use (LCAL) and hepatitis B (LCHB). Spanning data from 1990 to 2021, the research provides a comprehensive analysis of trends across global regions, with a particular focus on China, which carries the heaviest burden of these cancers.
The findings indicate that global mortality due to LCAL rose dramatically over the 32-year study period, with deaths increasing by 140.61%, from 38,172 in 1990 to 92,228 in 2021. In China, the corresponding increase was even greater at 141.81%. Although the global age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) for LCAL saw a slight upward trend, China’s ASMR remained largely stable. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), which measure the overall disease burden, also doubled globally for LCAL (Global DALYs attributed to LCAL increased by 122.24% between 1990 and 2021), reflecting the profound impact on health systems and affected individuals.
Alcohol use contributes significantly to the rising global and regional burden of liver cancer. However, its effects are distinct from those of hepatitis B, the primary driver of liver cancer cases. While LCHB continues to see reductions in ASMR globally, LCAL demonstrates a more varied trajectory, influenced by sociodemographic factors and age disparities. Males, particularly those aged 40 to 75, bear a disproportionately higher burden of LCAL compared to females.
The researchers emphasize the need for targeted strategies to address this dual burden. Recommendations include tailored prevention and screening programs and the development of advanced therapeutics to reduce mortality. The authors note the importance of considering population aging and growth, which were identified as key factors driving the increase in both LCAL and LCHB cases. This demographic shift is particularly pronounced in China, where aging accounted for 70.78% of the rise in LCAL-related mortality.
The study sheds light on the growing need for comprehensive public health policies addressing the root causes of liver cancer, particularly alcohol use. It underscores the urgency for both global and local interventions, as mortality from liver cancer is projected to continue rising in the coming years.
For more details, the full study is available at [https://doi.org/10.14218/JCTH.2024.00351]
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