This is important news – about timing. The American Cancer Society estimates that for 2019, about 42,030 new cases of primary liver cancer and intrahepatic bile duct cancer will be diagnosed in the United States. This figure suggests how common liver cancer is, and reminds us to take liver health seriously, including the importance of early diagnosis.
A study published in 2016 in the American Journal of Gastroenterology finds that African-American patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), or more generally referred to as liver cancer, are often diagnosed late.
The cohort research, led by Dr. Jacqueline Eztevez from California-based Standford University Medical Center, studied HCC cases of 578 Caucasian patients and 578 African-American patients diagnosed between 2007 and 2014. The researchers found that, in comparison, African-American patients were less likely to have cirrhosis but have a higher chance to have more elevated creatinine levels, multifocal tumors, vascular invasion, and larger tumors. There were also more African-American patients with Barcelona Clinic Cancer stage C compared with the other ethnic group in the study.
While in terms of overall survival rates, there is no difference in estimated 5-year survival rates for both ethnicities, Caucasian patients had better figures than African-American patients for 5-year survival rates, after 2010.
Is ethnicity a predictor of liver cancer mortality?
Researchers say ’no.’ Dr. Estevez explains that the diagnosis of HCC is found to be a significant factor. This makes sense as earlier diagnosis means earlier treatments.
According to the study, African-American patients were less likely to get any HCC treatment, including the most common treatments, than the other ethnicity.
What can be done?
- Be mindful of your liver health. Here are some useful resources:
- Be informed. It is very important to equip ourselves with basic knowledge on liver health. Here is a good resource for information.
- Consult your doctor. If you suspect you might be suffering from any forms of liver disease, go to a hospital and have yourself checked. Remember: early diagnosis can save lives.
Make no mistake about it, following diagnosis, every individual’s body has a different response to disease and treatment, and therefore a positive outlook is key in terms of taking both proactive steps and curative measures to battle boldly, regardless. And don’t assume that every screening will lead to the negative; openness is a necessary mindset for preventative self-care.
As always, we at ADRLF encourage you to: Screen. Vaccinate. Don’t Hesitate!
