Clinical Epidemiology of Chronic Liver Disease: Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the world. Incidence of HCC is expected to increase in the future with much of this burden concentrated in developing nations, currently accounting for 83% of total HCC deaths. Worldwide rates of HCC vary dramatically by region, reflecting major epidemiologic differences. Incidence is higher in men and the elderly. Chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C viral infections are the leading causes of HCC with rising rates of obesity, diabetes and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis playing an ever-increasing role in the development and progression of HCC. To develop effective region specific prevention, screening and management strategies will require close examination of the epidemiology of HCC. In this chapter, we aim to explore the global epidemiologic aspects of HCC with a focus on current trends and the risk factors that contribute to these trends.