Lancet Commission Urges Global Action to Curb Rising Liver Cancer Burden by 2050

In a major report published in The Lancet, an international Commission has called for urgent and coordinated action to tackle hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)—the most common form of liver cancer, responsible for around 80% of all liver cancer cases. The report, presents a global roadmap to reduce the rising disease burden associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, currently the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.

The Commission, comprised of experts across clinical medicine, public health, and policy, conducted a comprehensive review that involved literature analysis, evidence scoping, data synthesis, modeling, and real-world case studies. Their goal was to project the global trajectory of hepatocellular carcinoma through 2050 and establish measurable targets to mitigate its impact.

One of the key findings of the report is the need for an annual reduction of at least 2% in age-standardized liver cancer incidence rates to effectively curb the disease burden. Encouragingly, the report notes that “based on a conservative estimate, at least 60% of liver cancer is preventable via control of these risk factors,” particularly hepatitis B and C infections and alcohol use.