Liver cancer to double worldwide, most of it preventable: Study
New cases of liver cancer—the sixth most common form of the disease—will rise to 1.52 million a year from 870,000 if current trends continue, according to data from the Global Cancer Observatory published in The Lancet medical journal.
It is also the third deadliest of all cancers, with the study predicting it would take 1.37 million lives by the middle of the century.
However, three out of five cases of liver cancer could be prevented, the international team of experts said.
The risk factors are drinking alcohol, viral hepatitis, and a buildup of fat in the liver linked to obesity called MASLD, which was previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
The viruses that cause hepatitis B and C are expected to remain the leading causes of liver cancer in 2050, according to the study, published on World Hepatitis Day.
Vaccination at birth is the best way to prevent hepatitis B, but vaccine coverage remains low in poorer countries, including in sub-Saharan Africa, the study said.
Unless vaccination rates are increased, hepatitis B is expected to kill 17 million people between 2015 and 2030, it added.
Alcohol consumption is estimated to cause more than 21 percent of all cases of liver cancer by 2050, up more than two percentage points from 2022.
Cancer due to obesity-linked fat in the liver will rise to 11 percent, also up more than two percentage points, the researchers calculated.
The large-scale study, which reviewed the available evidence on the subject, underscored 'the urgent need for global action' on liver cancer, the authors said.
The experts called for more public awareness about the preventable danger of liver cancer, particularly by warning people with obesity or diabetes about fatty-liver disease in the United States, Europe, and Asia.
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Al Arabiya
4 days ago
- Al Arabiya
Liver cancer to double worldwide, most of it preventable: Study
The number of people with liver cancer will nearly double worldwide by 2050 unless more is done to address preventable causes such as obesity, alcohol consumption, and hepatitis, a study warned Tuesday. New cases of liver cancer—the sixth most common form of the disease—will rise to 1.52 million a year from 870,000 if current trends continue, according to data from the Global Cancer Observatory published in The Lancet medical journal. It is also the third deadliest of all cancers, with the study predicting it would take 1.37 million lives by the middle of the century. However, three out of five cases of liver cancer could be prevented, the international team of experts said. The risk factors are drinking alcohol, viral hepatitis, and a buildup of fat in the liver linked to obesity called MASLD, which was previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The viruses that cause hepatitis B and C are expected to remain the leading causes of liver cancer in 2050, according to the study, published on World Hepatitis Day. Vaccination at birth is the best way to prevent hepatitis B, but vaccine coverage remains low in poorer countries, including in sub-Saharan Africa, the study said. Unless vaccination rates are increased, hepatitis B is expected to kill 17 million people between 2015 and 2030, it added. Alcohol consumption is estimated to cause more than 21 percent of all cases of liver cancer by 2050, up more than two percentage points from 2022. Cancer due to obesity-linked fat in the liver will rise to 11 percent, also up more than two percentage points, the researchers calculated. The large-scale study, which reviewed the available evidence on the subject, underscored 'the urgent need for global action' on liver cancer, the authors said. The experts called for more public awareness about the preventable danger of liver cancer, particularly by warning people with obesity or diabetes about fatty-liver disease in the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Arab News
4 days ago
- Arab News
Healthy snacking habits on the rise in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: Health-conscious consumers are turning to new versions of traditional snacks in order to tackle obesity in the Kingdom. Freeze-drying has emerged as a popular way to process fruits in a move away from traditional drying with heat, which can cause nutrients such as vitamins, antioxidants and fiber to be depleted. Freeze-drying causes less degradation and ensures more goodness is retained. 'When I first tried freeze-dried strawberries, I loved them,' Riyadh resident Abdullah Saud told Arab News. 'Because I have diabetes I am not allowed to consume a lot of sugar or fruits, but the strawberries are great. They are not sugary, for my taste.' • Public health physician Dr. Zahra'a Al-Ahmed, who specializes in nutrition, warned that while freeze-dried fruit retained structure and flavor, it could still be high in calories. • The Saudi Food and Drug Authority's Healthy Food Promotion Initiative is reducing unhealthy additives in food products to improve nutritional labeling. • Dates are an option for a classic Saudi snack, widely popular due to their cultural and religious significance. However, public health physician Dr Zahra'a Al-Ahmed, who specializes in nutrition, warned that while freeze-dried fruit retained structure and flavor, it could still be high in calories. Speaking to Arab News about snacking habits and the shift to healthier options, she said: 'Similar to many other nations, Saudi Arabia has major issues with diabetes, obesity and heart disease. These non-communicable diseases are frequently associated with poor eating habits, such as consuming too many processed snacks that are heavy in sodium, sugar and bad fats.' The trend towards healthier choices indicated the community was increasingly aware of these risks and was making the effort to reduce such problems, she said: 'Low-calorie, sugar-free, gluten-free, high-fiber and protein-rich products are among the clean label options that consumers are actively looking for.' Al-Ahmed said consumers' snacking habits in the Kingdom were changing thanks to various programs that 'encourage improved eating habits towards mindful eating.' One such scheme is the Saudi Food and Drug Authority's Healthy Food Promotion Initiative, which aims to reduce unhealthy additives in food products and improve nutritional labeling, encouraging consumers to make informed decisions. Al-Ahmed explained that people's consumption habits were influenced by multiple factors, including socioeconomic status, education level and social as well as emotional triggers. Despite improving attitudes towards diets in the Kingdom, unhealthy snacks are still popular, especially among college students and young adults. More programs targeting these groups were needed, she added. Dates are another option for a classic Saudi snack, widely popular due to their cultural and religious significance. They have always been valued for their natural sweetness and nutritional benefits, and new, healthier versions are being found in cafes and on supermarket shelves. From chocolate-covered Ajwa dates to those stuffed with almonds, pistachios or peanut butter, the much-loved fruit is finding favor in new forms. 'I love date bars — healthy and tasty — and I make a lot for myself and for my family instead of buying regular chocolate at the supermarket,' said Munirah Al-Fahad, from Riyadh. 'It gives me the same taste but with less sugar and (fewer) fats.' She revealed: 'The base for this snack is dates, followed by a layer of peanut butter, then topped by chocolate mixed with nuts. I leave it after that in the refrigerator to cool for two hours, sometimes less.'
Arab News
5 days ago
- Arab News
Pakistan PM stresses raising awareness to break stigma, curb infections on World Hepatitis Day
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday stressed the need to raise awareness against hepatitis to break the stigma surrounding the disease and prevent new infections, as the world marks World Hepatitis Day today. Every year on July 28 the international community marks World Hepatitis Day to raise awareness about the importance of stepping up national and international efforts against the disease, encourage actions and engagement by individuals, partners and the public. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost 12 million people in Pakistan are suffering from hepatitis B or C. Each year brings about 150,000 new cases of the disease. Major risk factors for the transmission of hepatitis B and C infection include therapeutic injections, syringe reuse, surgery, improper sterilization of invasive medical devices, blood transfusion, hospitalization and sharing of razors from barbers. 'Raising awareness about hepatitis is essential not only to break the stigma surrounding this disease but also to prevent new infections and ensure timely treatment for those affected,' Sharif was quoted as saying by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The prime minister noted that the risk for hepatitis infections is particularly high in rural and under-resourced areas due to poor infection control practices. He said the government is taking concrete measures against the disease, which includes a national program that has already been launched to eliminate hepatitis C. 'The goal is to screen over 165 million people and provide free treatment to all positive cases by 2030,' Sharif said. 'This is a national movement that reflects our collective commitment to protecting lives and securing the future.' Sharif called for encouraging people to get tested for hepatitis, seek medical advice and not refrain from treatment due to fear or stigma. He said Pakistan's health care professionals, researchers and frontline workers are working tirelessly to curb the disease. 'On this day, we renew our collective responsibility to build a healthy, safe, and hepatitis-free Pakistan,' he concluded. In a separate message, President Asif Ali Zardari said viral hepatitis continues to pose a public health challenge for Pakistan. He noted that millions of people in the country are silently suffering due to late diagnosis, lack of awareness and inadequate health care services. 'He said we must implement comprehensive strategies that combine mass awareness campaigns, effective vaccination drives, timely screening and access to treatment,' state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported.
