About Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is a growing problem in the U.S.

Liver cancer is one of only a few types of cancer that are increasing in the U.S. In 2018, 42,220 adults in the U.S. were diagnosed with liver cancer.  Death from liver cancer is also rising in the U.S. Five-year survival rates for people with liver cancer are only 21%, so prevention is very important.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer. The main risk factors for HCC are:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection
• Heavy alcohol use
• Hepatitis B
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (primarily in people with obesity or diabetes).

Any of these rick factors can cause cirrhosis, which is severe scarring of the liver.

Cirrhosis is the leading cause of liver cancer (HCC).

Liver cancer in Texas

• Texas leads the nation in the rates of liver cancer and HCV infection
• Liver cancer death rates are the highest in Texas and 4 other states.
• Unlike other cancers, rates of HCC are rising, especially in South Texas.
• Approximately 400,000 Texans are chronically infected with HCV, which leads to HCC.
• Learn about liver cancer treatment:

Who usually gets liver cancer?

Liver cancer occurs mostly in people who are 45 to 84 years old. The average age of patients at diagnosis is 63.

Even though HCC develops later in life, the damage to the liver starts about 20 years earlier, so prevention is very important.

How can you prevent liver cancer?

When people are diagnosed with liver cancer, it usually has not spread outside of the liver.  But only 1 out of 3 people are still alive after 5 years, even if they have been treated. It is important to prevent liver cancer from developing. To do this, get tested for HCV and get treated if you have a chronic infection.