Liver cancer deaths near new cases in Vietnam, experts highlight culprits, offer advice

Addressing the event, held by Hoc Mon General Hospital in conjunction with the health station in Xuan Thoi Son Commune, Dr. Nguyen Thi Truc Chi, head of the hospital’s General Planning Department, emphasized that liver cancer ranks as the second leading cause of cancer death in Vietnam.

While the liver functions as a silent metabolic powerhouse that rarely displays early symptoms, proactive screening and vaccination remain vital to reducing the country's high mortality toll, she said.

According to GLOBOCAN 2024 data cited at the event, Vietnam records 14,591 new cases and 13,664 deaths annually, meaning fatalities account for roughly 94 percent of new cases.

About seven million people nationwide live with chronic hepatitis B or C, often unaware of their condition until the disease reaches advanced stages marked by abdominal swelling, jaundice, weight loss, or right upper quadrant discomfort.

Hepatitis B stands out as the primary catalyst, responsible for over 62 percent of liver cancer cases in Vietnam compared to 39 percent globally, according to the data.

Meanwhile, additional high-risk factors include chronic hepatitis C, cirrhosis, alcohol consumption exceeding three alcohol units per day, fatty liver disease, obesity, diabetes, tobacco use, and the consumption of moldy foods.

According to specialists, patients should undergo dual screening methods combining abdominal ultrasounds and blood marker tests every three to six months depending on individual risk levels, which studies show can reduce mortality rates by up to 37 percent.

Experts encouraged people to follow preventive measures encapsulated in the ‘three dos’ principle—getting vaccinated against hepatitis B, undergoing screening for hepatitis B and C at least once, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle—alongside the ‘three don'ts’: no alcohol abuse, no smoking or moldy food consumption, and no cessation of prescribed medical treatments.