Introduction
Liver cancer continues to be a major cause of mortality in Hong Kong. It was the fourth commonest cancer in men and the seventh commonest cancer in women. It accounted for 7.1% of new cancer cases in 2008.
New cases
There were 1 745 new cases of liver cancer in 2008, with 1 319 cases of males and 426 cases of females. The male to female ratio was about 3.1 to 1. The crude incidence rates were 40.0 for male and 11.6 for female per 100 000 population of respective sex. The age-standardized incidence rates were 27.4 for male and 7.6 for female per 100 000 standard population. In the past two decades, the age-standardized incidence rate for both sexes had a downward trend.
Number of new cases and crude incidence rate of malignant
neoplasm of liver and intrahepatic bile ducts by sex, 1983-2000
Number of new cases and crude incidence rate of malignant
neoplasm of liver and intrahepatic bile ducts by sex, 2001-2008
Age-standardized incidence rate* of malignant
neoplasm of liver and intrahepatic bile ducts by sex, 1983-2000
Age-standardized incidence rate* of malignant
neoplasm of liver and intrahepatic bile ducts by sex, 2001-2008
Notes: |
* |
Age-standardized incidence rates are compiled based on a new world standard population specified in GPE Discussion Paper Series: No.31, EIP/GPE/EBD, World Health Organization, 2001. |
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Data in the above charts from 1996 onwards are compiled based on the population estimates under the "resident population" approach instead of the "extended de facto" approach. Also, the Population By-census conducted in July to August 2006 provides a benchmark for revising the population estimates compiled since the 2001 Population Census. |
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Figures from 2001 onwards are compiled based on ICD-10 and thus may not be comparable with figures for previous years compiled based on ICD-9. |
Sources: |
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Census and Statistics Department
Department of Health
Hong Kong Cancer Registry, Hospital Authority |
Mortality
Liver cancer was the third leading cause of cancer deaths in Hong Kong. In 2009, a total of 1 488 people died from this cancer, accounting for 11.6% of all cancer deaths. The crude death rates were 32.5 for male and 11.2 for female per 100 000 population of respective sex. The age-standardized death rates of liver cancer were 21.3 for male and 6.7 for female per 100 000 standard population. In the past 29 years, the age-standardized death rate for both sexes had a downward trend.
Number of registered deaths and crude death rate of malignant
neoplasm of liver and intrahepatic bile ducts by sex, 1981-2000
Number of registered deaths and crude death rate of malignant
neoplasm of liver and intrahepatic bile ducts by sex, 2001-2009
Age-standardized death rate* of malignant neoplasm
of liver and intrahepatic bile ducts by sex, 1981-2000
Age-standardized death rate* of malignant neoplasm
of liver and intrahepatic bile ducts by sex, 2001-2009
Notes: |
* |
Age-standardized death rates are compiled based on a new world standard population specified in GPE Discussion Paper Series: No.31, EIP/GPE/EBD, World Health Organization, 2001. |
|
|
Data in the above charts from 1996 onwards are compiled based on the population estimates under the "resident population" approach instead of the "extended de facto" approach. Also, the Population By-census conducted in July to August 2006 provides a benchmark for revising the population estimates compiled since the 2001 Population Census. |
|
|
Figures from 2001 onwards are compiled based on ICD-10 and thus may not be comparable with figures for previous years compiled based on ICD-9. |
Sources: |
|
Census and Statistics Department
Department of Health |
Classification of diseases and causes of death is based on the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) 10th Revision from 2001 onwards. Figures from 2001 onwards may not be comparable with figures for previous years which were compiled based on the ICD 9th Revision. Hence, caution should be exercised when interpreting the trend of diseases across 2000 and 2001.
Liver cancer corresponds to codes 155 in ICD-9 and C22 in ICD-10.
Symptoms
Liver cancer is often asymptomatic at early stage. Patients may experience weight loss and malaise. As the tumour grows, possible symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, fever, jaundice (yellow skin and sclerae, dark urine), abdominal distension and pain in right upper abdomen.
Risk factors
Chronic hepatitis infection, especially for the chronic hepatitis B infection, is an important risk factor for liver cancer in Hong Kong. Approximately 8-10% of the population are hepatitis B carriers. Other important risk factors include liver cirrhosis, excessive alcohol consumption, consumption of aflatoxin contaminated food etc.
Prevention
Hepatitis B vaccination has been included in the childhood immunization programme in Hong Kong. Parents are advised to bring their children for vaccination according to the schedule of the programme. Moreover, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, store food safely and do not eat food that may contain aflatoxin (such as moulded peanuts) will also lower the risk of developing liver cancer. Individuals should seek early medical advice if there are any symptoms.
Related information
The Cancer Expert Working Group on Cancer Prevention and Screening under the Cancer Coordinating Committee provides recommendations on preventive measures and screening of major cancers based on a standardised review of scientific evidence. To view the information, please click the following link.
The Viral Hepatitis Preventive Service provides detailed information on different types of hepatitis and their prevention. Please browse the website of the Viral Hepatitis Preventive Service for details.
For general information on cancer prevention, please browse the website of the Health Zone and Men's Health Programme.
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