5 Key Liver Cancer Statistics You Should Know

Liver cancer is a serious and increasingly prevalent health concern worldwide. It is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the third most deadly. If you or a loved one has been impacted by liver cancer and would like to learn more about it, knowing these five liver cancer statistics may give you a better understanding of the nature of this disease.

Primary liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide, with over 860,000 new cases diagnosed worldwide in 2022. It tends to be more prevalent in Asia and Africa, where chronic hepatitis B and C infections are more prevalent, but it is an increasing concern in Western countries as well. Liver cancer incidence rates in the United States have more than tripled since 1980 due to factors such as obesity, diabetes, and alcohol-related liver diseases.

Yes, liver cancer tends to be more common in men than in women. The likelihood of men developing liver cancer is two to three times higher than that of women.

The median age at diagnosis for liver cancer in the US is 67 years. However, middle-aged people and even younger populations can also develop liver cancer, making it less rare than you might think. 40.3% of new liver cancer cases are diagnosed in people aged 64 and below. So, even though those who are older are more at risk of developing liver cancer, technically, anyone can get liver cancer. However, do not worry unnecessarily. What’s important is to be aware of the risk factors and symptoms of liver cancer so that you can keep track of your health and seek medical attention early if you suspect something may be wrong. If you are at risk of liver cancer, do speak to a healthcare professional about your concerns so that they may do a proper evaluation of your condition and recommend precautions or preventive measures, if any.

Unfortunately, liver cancer can be life-threatening, especially if it is diagnosed at an advanced stage where treatment options are limited. As the third most deadly cancer worldwide, it accounts for more than 700,000 deaths each year. However, individual liver cancer outcomes vary by stage and a variety of other factors such as one’s general health, overall liver function and response to treatment.

Early-stage liver cancer is more treatable, with more treatment options available. However, liver cancer rarely presents any symptoms in its early stages, often delaying detection and going unnoticed until it has already progressed to a more advanced stage. The further the cancer progresses, the more life-threatening it becomes.

As with all cancers, it is difficult to guarantee survival outcomes for liver cancer. Every cancer journey is different and may be affected by many factors. A general guide would be to look at the five-year relative survival rates for liver cancer, which reflect the percentage of people with the same type and stage of liver cancer that are alive 5 years after their initial diagnosis, compared with people in the general population.

The five-year relative survival rates for those with liver cancer are as follows*.

Looking at liver cancer survival rates serves as a very rough guide of liver cancer patient outcomes, but do bear in mind that survival statistics for liver cancer are calculated based on the average experience of liver cancer patients. They should not be used to predict an individual’s outcome, as there are several factors that may affect it. Moreover, these rates are based on data collected several years ago, when diagnostic technology and treatments were not as advanced as they are now. Instead of focusing too much on these numbers, it may be more helpful to focus on the professional advice and treatment plan recommended by healthcare professionals. They can help guide you based on your individual needs.