New Report Warns of Looming Liver Cancer Crisis

New Report Warns of Looming Liver Cancer Crisis
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A new report from The Lancet warns of a looming liver cancer crisis, projecting a near-doubling of new cases and deaths by 2050 if prevention efforts continue to lag, Africanews revealed. The report, published on July 29, estimates that over 60% of liver cancer cases are linked to preventable factors, including viral hepatitis, excessive alcohol consumption, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

Without immediate action, new cases are expected to rise to 1.52 million annually, with deaths reaching 1.37 million. The report identifies MASLD as the fastest-growing cause of the disease, driven by increasing obesity rates in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. In Africa, where a significant surge is also anticipated, a rise in unhealthy diets and refined sugars is contributing to the problem.

The Lancet Commission on liver cancer is calling for global action to combat the disease, including expanded hepatitis B vaccination, stricter alcohol policies, and early screening for high-risk individuals. The report suggests that an annual reduction of 2-5% in liver cancer incidence could prevent up to 17 million cases and 15 million deaths by 2050.