A groundbreaking report led by experts from the Chinese mainland has unveiled a fresh international roadmap to tackle liver cancer—a silent killer affecting millions worldwide. Released on World Hepatitis Day (July 28) and published in The Lancet, the study brought together insights from 51 specialists representing regions such as Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United States, Spain, and others.
Co-chaired by Fan Jia, an academician from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the commission was presented during a press conference at Zhongshan Hospital affiliated with Fudan University in Shanghai. Fan emphasized that this work goes beyond typical reviews by offering actionable public health strategies designed to be implemented on a global scale.
The report sheds light on shifting trends in liver cancer causes. While hepatitis B and C remain the primary risk factors, emerging culprits—including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and alcohol consumption—are reshaping the landscape, driven in part by modern high-sugar diets and sedentary lifestyles.
Highlighting hope amidst the challenge, the study estimates that nearly 60% of liver cancer cases are preventable. It proposes a three-tier strategy: first, bolstering prevention efforts with expanded hepatitis B vaccination, antiviral treatments, and enhanced public awareness; second, integrating non-invasive liver fibrosis screening into routine checks for high-risk groups such as individuals with diabetes or obesity; and third, strengthening treatment systems by improving drug access, reducing regional disparities, and introducing palliative care early on.
With nearly 870,000 new cases and 760,000 deaths reported globally each year—and projections reaching 1.52 million new cases by 2050—the report calls for an annual reduction of at least 2% in age-standardized incidence rates. If achieved, this could avert millions of cases over the next 25 years. This dynamic blueprint inspires a proactive approach to global health, empowering communities to take charge and fight liver cancer head-on. 💪✨
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China-led report charts new course for global liver cancer control
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