Epidemiology of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Asia-Pacific Region

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant primary liver cancer in many countries and is the third most common cause of cancer-related death in the Asia-Pacific region. The incidence of HCC is higher in men and in those over 40 years old. In the Asia-Pacific region, chronic hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections are the main etiological agents; in particular, chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB) is still the major cause in all Asia-Pacific countries except for Japan. Over the past two decades, the incidence of HCC has remained stable in countries in the region except for Singapore and Hong Kong, where the incidence for both sexes is currently decreasing. Chronic hepatitis C infection (CHC) is an important cause of HCC in Japan, representing 70% of HCCs. Over the past several decades, the prevalence of CHC has been increasing in many Asia-Pacific countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and India. Despite advancements in treatment, HCC is still an important health problem because of the associated substantial mortality. An effective surveillance program could offer early diagnosis and hence better treatment options. Antiviral treatment for both CHB and CHC is effective in reducing the incidence of HCC.

Keywords: Carcinoma, hepatocellular; Incidence; Liver neoplasms; Mortality; Prevalence.

Fig. 1

The proportions of hepatitis B virus (HBV)- and hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma in different Asia-Pacific regions. The data source for each country was as follows: China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Singapore, Korea, and Taiwan.

Fig. 2

The incidence rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in both sexes among different age groups in Hong Kong (data from the report of the Hong Kong Cancer Registry, 2012). Age-specific incidence rates for liver cancer in 2012.

Fig. 3

The relative incidences of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in different Asia-Pacific regions.,

Fig. 4

Summary of the age-standardized incidence rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for men and women in different countries of the Asia-Pacific region between 2000 and 2005. Time periods of the incidences in each country: China, 2002 to 2005; Hong Kong, 2005; India, 2001 to 2004; Japan, 2000; Korea, 2003; New Zealand, 2004; Singapore, 2002 to 2005; and Taiwan, 2002.