Liver cancer deaths climb by around 50% in the last decade

Overview

According to the latest calculations by the latest Research UK, liver cancer deaths have increased by almost 50% in the last decade and tripled since records began.

New mortality data shows that there were around 5,700 deaths from liver cancer in the UK in 2017, the highest annual number of deaths recorded. 3,200 people have died in it

2007. Of all cancer types, liver cancer has had the largest increase in deaths in the past decade and the fastest increase in deaths since it began.

Experts at Cancer Research UK believe the death rate has risen so rapidly; as the number of people suffering from liver cancer has also increased – 60% over the last decade – and survival is generally low. It is one of the most difficult cancers to treat, and a five-year survival can range anywhere from 6% to 37% depending on age and gender.

The disease is difficult to treat mainly because it can be difficult to spot at an early stage; because it often does not cause symptoms until it progresses. Because of this, emergency presentations are the most common route for diagnosis of liver cancer and surgery is not an option for many of these patients because the disease has already spread. Physicians find that many patients also have chronic liver disease, so the symptoms of cancer can be remembered easily.

While there are many factors affecting the risk of liver cancer, being overweight or obese and smoking is the biggest reason. 23% of liver cancer cases may be associated with overweight or obesity, and 20% may be associated with smoking. Overall, about half of cases can be prevented.

Research Specialist Confirmations

Professor Helen Reeves at the University of Newcastle, a liver cancer specialist at Cancer Research UK, said: “Unfortunately, progress in the treatment of liver cancer has been slow and we are in dire need of more options for patients. Another problem being diagnosed There is an increase in the number of people. ” Which means that we are losing more people to this disease than ever before.

“Increasing levels of obesity and related conditions such as diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are likely to play a large role, although they are not the only factors.

“But the good news is that there are some potential game-changing treatments along the way. Research looking at refining immunotherapy has been extremely promising. It does not yet work in all patients and we are still looking at why it is so. ” But when this happens it can take many years. ”

Annually around 5900 people are diagnosed with liver cancer in the UK. And this number is estimated to increase 38% between 2014 and 2035 in the UK. Although liver cancer can occur at any age, it is most common in people over 60 years of age. And it is more common in Asians and Black people.

Cancer Research View

Cancer Research UK CEO Michelle Mitchell said: “A lot of progress has been made to save lives from cancer, but it is worrying to see liver cancer deaths at such an alarming rate. Losing a lot of lives Are, that is why we are doing this. ’Funding for more research in this area. And understanding more about the biology of the disease to develop better treatments.

“There are things we can all do for our cancer risk and it is never too late to change. Keeping a healthy weight, not smoking; and drinking less alcohol all help reduce your chance of developing liver cancer. will do.”

* Percentage change in rates over the last decade by comparing 2005–2007 vs. 2015–2017. UK-level incident data first became available in 1971