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24-01-2017 | Hepatocellular carcinoma | Article

Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Epidemiology

Journal: Current Hepatology Reports

Authors: John Ha, Melissa Yan, Robert J. Wong

Publisher: Springer US

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The current review aims to provide an updated analysis on race/ethnicity-specific disparities in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) epidemiology in the USA with a focus on HCC incidence and prevalence, HCC stage at diagnosis, HCC treatment received, and overall HCC survival.

Recent Findings

While the overall incidence of HCC in the USA has stabilized, race/ethnicity-specific disparities persist. HCC incidence remains the highest among Asians, but the burden of HCC among Hispanics is rising and may reflect the significant burden of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-related HCC among this group. Furthermore, disparate implementation of HCC screening and surveillance, which detrimentally affects ethnic minorities and underserved populations to the greatest extent, contributes to lower rates of potentially curative therapies and lower overall survival among these groups, especially African Americans with HCC.

Summary

Despite improvements in clinical care of HCC patients, persistent race/ethnicity-specific disparities in HCC outcomes persist and reflect multifactorial barriers. Highlighting these disparities is the first step towards raising awareness to guide future education and research to improve HCC outcomes for all groups.
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