Liver Cancer Statistics

GITNUXREPORT 2026

Liver Cancer Statistics

Get the most up to date liver cancer risk, diagnosis, and outcomes in one place, including contrast CT or MRI catching 85% of HCC cases over 1 cm and LI RADS LR-5 delivering over 95% specificity. Then compare real-world survival and progression markers, from BCLC stage D median survival of 3 months to early detection tools like AFP L3% over 15% and FibroScan stiffness above 12.5 kPa that flag danger long before symptoms.

129 statistics5 sections9 min readUpdated 7 days ago

Key Statistics

Statistic 1

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels >400 ng/mL have 60-80% sensitivity for HCC diagnosis in high-risk patients.

Statistic 2

Ultrasound detects 65-80% of HCC tumors >2cm in cirrhotic livers.

Statistic 3

LI-RADS system categorizes HCC probability, with LR-5 having >95% specificity for HCC.

Statistic 4

CT or MRI with contrast shows arterial hyperenhancement and washout in 85% of HCC cases >1cm.

Statistic 5

Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage 0 has 5-year survival of 60-80% post-resection.

Statistic 6

Milan criteria for transplant: single tumor ≤5cm or up to 3 ≤3cm, with 70-80% 5-year survival.

Statistic 7

Biopsy is required for diagnosis in 20-30% of cases where imaging is inconclusive.

Statistic 8

FibroScan measures liver stiffness >12.5 kPa indicating high HCC risk in cirrhosis.

Statistic 9

PET-CT has sensitivity of 50-70% for HCC detection, better for extrahepatic spread.

Statistic 10

Des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) >7.5 ng/mL has 85% specificity for HCC.

Statistic 11

Multiphasic CT sensitivity 93% for HCC >2cm.

Statistic 12

BCLC stage A median survival 5-7 years with treatment.

Statistic 13

AFP-L3% >15% indicates poor differentiation in 70% cases.

Statistic 14

EASL criteria for non-invasive diagnosis: arterial hyperenhancement + washout + ≥1cm.

Statistic 15

Portal vein tumor thrombosis occurs in 30-50% advanced HCC.

Statistic 16

Liver biopsy false negative rate 1-3% for HCC.

Statistic 17

GALAD score AUC 0.93 for early HCC detection.

Statistic 18

Contrast-enhanced US sensitivity 88% for HCC.

Statistic 19

PIVKA-II >40 mAU/mL sensitivity 74% for HCC.

Statistic 20

MRI sensitivity 96% for HCC >1cm.

Statistic 21

BCLC stage D median survival 3 months.

Statistic 22

Macrovascular invasion worsens prognosis, OS 6-12 months.

Statistic 23

UCSF criteria expand Milan, 5-year survival 87%.

Statistic 24

Needle tract seeding 1.6% post-biopsy.

Statistic 25

Glypican-3 IHC positive in 77% HCC.

Statistic 26

CEUS washout specificity 97%.

Statistic 27

In 2020, liver cancer was the 6th most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide with 905,677 new cases, representing 4.7% of all cancer cases globally.

Statistic 28

Globally, liver cancer incidence rates are highest in Eastern Asia, with age-standardized rates of 29.5 per 100,000 in men and 10.3 per 100,000 in women.

Statistic 29

In the United States, approximately 41,630 new cases of liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancer are expected to be diagnosed in 2023.

Statistic 30

Liver cancer incidence in the US has been rising steadily, increasing by 65% from 2000 to 2019.

Statistic 31

Among US men, liver cancer rates are highest among Asian/Pacific Islander populations at 16.5 per 100,000 compared to 10.1 overall.

Statistic 32

In Europe, liver cancer age-standardized incidence rate is 10.1 per 100,000 for men and 3.1 for women as of 2020.

Statistic 33

Mongolia has the world's highest liver cancer incidence rate at 32.6 per 100,000 age-standardized.

Statistic 34

In sub-Saharan Africa, liver cancer accounts for 12.5% of all cancer cases in men.

Statistic 35

US liver cancer prevalence is estimated at 42,580 adults living with the disease in 2020.

Statistic 36

Incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common liver cancer type, is 80-90% of primary liver cancers globally.

Statistic 37

Liver cancer caused 17.6 deaths per 100,000 in men globally in 2020.

Statistic 38

In China, liver cancer represents 11.3% of new cancer cases in men.

Statistic 39

US Hispanic men have liver cancer incidence of 17.8 per 100,000.

Statistic 40

Lifetime risk of developing liver cancer is 1 in 111 for US men.

Statistic 41

Eastern Africa has ASIR of 19.2 per 100,000 for liver cancer.

Statistic 42

Liver cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in men in Mongolia.

Statistic 43

Incidence in US women rose 3% annually from 2012-2016.

Statistic 44

Globally, 75% of liver cancer burden occurs in Asia.

Statistic 45

Liver cancer ASMR in US men 13.2 per 100,000 (2015-2019).

Statistic 46

Women in Vietnam have ASIR 7.8 per 100,000 for liver cancer.

Statistic 47

Black US men liver cancer incidence 13.8 per 100,000.

Statistic 48

South-Central Asia liver cancer incidence 8.5 per 100,000.

Statistic 49

Incidence quadrupled in Japan from 1960-2000 due to HCV.

Statistic 50

US non-Hispanic white women ASIR 4.2 per 100,000.

Statistic 51

Liver angiosarcoma rare, <1% of primary liver cancers.

Statistic 52

In 2020, liver cancer caused 830,180 deaths worldwide, ranking 3rd in cancer mortality.

Statistic 53

5-year relative survival for all liver cancer stages in US is 20.8% (2013-2019).

Statistic 54

Localized liver cancer has 37% 5-year survival vs 3% for distant stage.

Statistic 55

HBV vaccination has reduced HCC incidence by 80% in Taiwanese children born post-1984.

Statistic 56

HCV treatment with DAAs reduces HCC risk by 50-70% post-cure.

Statistic 57

Screening with ultrasound every 6 months in high-risk cirrhotics detects HCC at early stage in 60%.

Statistic 58

Global liver cancer mortality-to-incidence ratio is 0.84, indicating poor prognosis.

Statistic 59

In the US, liver cancer mortality rate is 14.9 per 100,000 (2016-2020).

Statistic 60

Alcohol-related liver disease contributes to 30% of HCC deaths in Western countries.

Statistic 61

NAFLD-associated HCC mortality is rising, projected to be leading cause by 2030 in US.

Statistic 62

US liver cancer deaths increased 43% from 2000-2018.

Statistic 63

75% of liver cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

Statistic 64

Child-Pugh C cirrhosis HCC 1-year survival <25%.

Statistic 65

Universal HBV vaccination could prevent 25% global HCC.

Statistic 66

Aspirin use reduces HCC risk by 50% in meta-analysis.

Statistic 67

Statin therapy lowers HCC incidence HR 0.45 in cirrhotics.

Statistic 68

Semiannual surveillance reduces HCC mortality by 30%.

Statistic 69

Global target: 90% reduction in HBV-related HCC by 2030 via vaccination.

Statistic 70

Metformin in diabetics reduces HCC risk RR 0.64.

Statistic 71

Abstinence from alcohol post-cirrhosis halves HCC risk.

Statistic 72

Global liver cancer 5-year survival <20% average.

Statistic 73

Recurrence post-resection 70% at 5 years.

Statistic 74

HPV vaccination indirect benefit on liver cancer negligible.

Statistic 75

HCC surveillance cost-effective at $50,000/QALY.

Statistic 76

Weight loss >10% reduces NAFLD HCC risk 60%.

Statistic 77

DAA cure SVR>95%, HCC risk drops to 1%/year.

Statistic 78

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection accounts for 56% of global liver cancer cases.

Statistic 79

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is responsible for 21% of hepatocellular carcinoma cases worldwide.

Statistic 80

Cirrhosis precedes 80-90% of HCC cases, regardless of etiology.

Statistic 81

Alcohol consumption increases liver cancer risk by 100% in heavy drinkers compared to non-drinkers.

Statistic 82

Obesity raises HCC risk by 2-4 fold in cohort studies.

Statistic 83

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with a 2.5-fold increased risk of liver cancer.

Statistic 84

Aflatoxin exposure from contaminated food contributes to 5-25% of HCC cases in high-risk areas like sub-Saharan Africa.

Statistic 85

Smoking increases liver cancer risk by 50% in HBV carriers.

Statistic 86

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) prevalence in HCC patients without viral hepatitis is 30-40%.

Statistic 87

Genetic factors like hemochromatosis increase risk 20-200 fold depending on genotype.

Statistic 88

HBV prevalence >8% correlates with HCC incidence >20 per 100,000.

Statistic 89

HCV genotype 1b increases HCC risk 2-fold over other genotypes.

Statistic 90

Metabolic syndrome raises HCC risk by 3.5-fold in prospective studies.

Statistic 91

Daily alcohol >50g increases risk RR=2.0 for HCC.

Statistic 92

BMI >30 kg/m² associated with 1.9 HR for HCC.

Statistic 93

Iron overload in hemochromatosis leads to HCC in 30% of cirrhotic cases.

Statistic 94

Aristolochic acid exposure in herbal remedies causes 5-10% HCC in endemic areas.

Statistic 95

Coffee consumption >2 cups/day reduces HCC risk by 40%.

Statistic 96

Primary biliary cholangitis increases risk 15-fold.

Statistic 97

Chronic HBV accounts for 50% HCC in East Asia.

Statistic 98

HCV RNA positivity increases risk 15-20 fold.

Statistic 99

HIV co-infection with HBV/HCV triples HCC risk.

Statistic 100

Binge drinking (>60g/day) RR 4.1 for HCC.

Statistic 101

Visceral obesity HR 2.2 for HCC independent of BMI.

Statistic 102

Wilson's disease HCC risk 2-5% lifetime.

Statistic 103

Betel nut chewing increases risk 3-fold in Taiwan.

Statistic 104

Autoimmune hepatitis cirrhosis HCC risk 3% per year.

Statistic 105

Surgical resection offers 5-year survival of 50-70% for early-stage HCC.

Statistic 106

Liver transplantation achieves 75% 5-year survival for patients within Milan criteria.

Statistic 107

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) median survival is 20 months for intermediate-stage HCC.

Statistic 108

Sorafenib, first-line systemic therapy, extends median survival by 3 months (10.7 vs 7.9).

Statistic 109

Lenvatinib shows non-inferiority to sorafenib with median OS of 13.6 months.

Statistic 110

Atezolizumab + bevacizumab improves OS to 19.2 months vs 13.4 with sorafenib.

Statistic 111

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has 90% complete response for tumors <3cm.

Statistic 112

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) local control rate is 90% at 1 year for inoperable HCC.

Statistic 113

Y-90 radioembolization median survival 17 months for BCLC B patients.

Statistic 114

Regorafenib second-line therapy OS 10.6 months vs 7.8 placebo.

Statistic 115

Cabozantinib median OS 10.2 months in advanced HCC.

Statistic 116

Nivolumab ORR 15% in CheckMate 040 trial.

Statistic 117

TACE + sorafenib improves PFS to 9.1 months vs 4.8.

Statistic 118

Microwave ablation complete necrosis 95% for <3cm tumors.

Statistic 119

HAIC (hepatic arterial infusion chemo) OS 21.9 months in Japan.

Statistic 120

Proton therapy local control 95% at 2 years.

Statistic 121

Ramucirumab OS 8.5 months in AFP≥400 subgroup.

Statistic 122

Durvalumab + tremelimumab OS HR 0.78 vs sorafenib.

Statistic 123

Tivantinib failed phase III, no OS benefit.

Statistic 124

Camrelizumab + rivoceranib OS 22 months China.

Statistic 125

Pembrolizumab ORR 17% post-sorafenib.

Statistic 126

DEB-TACE OS 19 months vs cTACE 15.

Statistic 127

Cryoablation recurrence-free survival 82% at 1 year.

Statistic 128

SBRT 2-year OS 63% Child-Pugh A.

Statistic 129

Immunotherapy response 25% in MSI-high HCC.

Sources
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Rachel Svensson

Written by Rachel Svensson·Edited by Jonathan Hale·Fact-checked by Rebecca Hargrove

Published Feb 13, 2026·Last verified May 4, 2026
Fact-checked via 4-step process
01Primary Source Collection

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02Editorial Curation

Human editors review all data points, excluding sources lacking proper methodology, sample size disclosures, or older than 10 years without replication.

03AI-Powered Verification

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Statistics that fail independent corroboration are excluded.

In 2020, liver cancer ranked 3rd in cancer mortality worldwide with 830,180 deaths, and yet many cases are still missed until late stage. Imaging and blood marker accuracy can be startlingly precise, but only when you know which tests perform well for which risk groups, like AFP, LI-RADS, and contrast CT or MRI. This post brings those diagnostic and survival statistics together so you can see exactly where early HCC detection succeeds and where it commonly breaks down.

Key Takeaways

  • Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels >400 ng/mL have 60-80% sensitivity for HCC diagnosis in high-risk patients.
  • Ultrasound detects 65-80% of HCC tumors >2cm in cirrhotic livers.
  • LI-RADS system categorizes HCC probability, with LR-5 having >95% specificity for HCC.
  • In 2020, liver cancer was the 6th most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide with 905,677 new cases, representing 4.7% of all cancer cases globally.
  • Globally, liver cancer incidence rates are highest in Eastern Asia, with age-standardized rates of 29.5 per 100,000 in men and 10.3 per 100,000 in women.
  • In the United States, approximately 41,630 new cases of liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancer are expected to be diagnosed in 2023.
  • In 2020, liver cancer caused 830,180 deaths worldwide, ranking 3rd in cancer mortality.
  • 5-year relative survival for all liver cancer stages in US is 20.8% (2013-2019).
  • Localized liver cancer has 37% 5-year survival vs 3% for distant stage.
  • Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection accounts for 56% of global liver cancer cases.
  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is responsible for 21% of hepatocellular carcinoma cases worldwide.
  • Cirrhosis precedes 80-90% of HCC cases, regardless of etiology.
  • Surgical resection offers 5-year survival of 50-70% for early-stage HCC.
  • Liver transplantation achieves 75% 5-year survival for patients within Milan criteria.
  • Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) median survival is 20 months for intermediate-stage HCC.

Liver cancer is rising worldwide, and accurate imaging and surveillance can detect HCC early for better survival.

Diagnosis and Staging

1Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels >400 ng/mL have 60-80% sensitivity for HCC diagnosis in high-risk patients.
Verified
2Ultrasound detects 65-80% of HCC tumors >2cm in cirrhotic livers.
Verified
3LI-RADS system categorizes HCC probability, with LR-5 having >95% specificity for HCC.
Verified
4CT or MRI with contrast shows arterial hyperenhancement and washout in 85% of HCC cases >1cm.
Verified
5Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage 0 has 5-year survival of 60-80% post-resection.
Single source
6Milan criteria for transplant: single tumor ≤5cm or up to 3 ≤3cm, with 70-80% 5-year survival.
Verified
7Biopsy is required for diagnosis in 20-30% of cases where imaging is inconclusive.
Verified
8FibroScan measures liver stiffness >12.5 kPa indicating high HCC risk in cirrhosis.
Verified
9PET-CT has sensitivity of 50-70% for HCC detection, better for extrahepatic spread.
Verified
10Des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) >7.5 ng/mL has 85% specificity for HCC.
Single source
11Multiphasic CT sensitivity 93% for HCC >2cm.
Verified
12BCLC stage A median survival 5-7 years with treatment.
Directional
13AFP-L3% >15% indicates poor differentiation in 70% cases.
Verified
14EASL criteria for non-invasive diagnosis: arterial hyperenhancement + washout + ≥1cm.
Verified
15Portal vein tumor thrombosis occurs in 30-50% advanced HCC.
Verified
16Liver biopsy false negative rate 1-3% for HCC.
Verified
17GALAD score AUC 0.93 for early HCC detection.
Verified
18Contrast-enhanced US sensitivity 88% for HCC.
Verified
19PIVKA-II >40 mAU/mL sensitivity 74% for HCC.
Single source
20MRI sensitivity 96% for HCC >1cm.
Single source
21BCLC stage D median survival 3 months.
Verified
22Macrovascular invasion worsens prognosis, OS 6-12 months.
Verified
23UCSF criteria expand Milan, 5-year survival 87%.
Directional
24Needle tract seeding 1.6% post-biopsy.
Verified
25Glypican-3 IHC positive in 77% HCC.
Verified
26CEUS washout specificity 97%.
Verified

Diagnosis and Staging Interpretation

While navigating the diagnostic minefield of liver cancer, we rely on a cunning toolbox of imperfect but powerful tests—each a clue in a high-stakes puzzle where catching a tumor early under five centimeters can mean the difference between a long life and a statistical cliff.

Epidemiology

1In 2020, liver cancer was the 6th most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide with 905,677 new cases, representing 4.7% of all cancer cases globally.
Verified
2Globally, liver cancer incidence rates are highest in Eastern Asia, with age-standardized rates of 29.5 per 100,000 in men and 10.3 per 100,000 in women.
Verified
3In the United States, approximately 41,630 new cases of liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancer are expected to be diagnosed in 2023.
Verified
4Liver cancer incidence in the US has been rising steadily, increasing by 65% from 2000 to 2019.
Verified
5Among US men, liver cancer rates are highest among Asian/Pacific Islander populations at 16.5 per 100,000 compared to 10.1 overall.
Verified
6In Europe, liver cancer age-standardized incidence rate is 10.1 per 100,000 for men and 3.1 for women as of 2020.
Verified
7Mongolia has the world's highest liver cancer incidence rate at 32.6 per 100,000 age-standardized.
Verified
8In sub-Saharan Africa, liver cancer accounts for 12.5% of all cancer cases in men.
Directional
9US liver cancer prevalence is estimated at 42,580 adults living with the disease in 2020.
Directional
10Incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common liver cancer type, is 80-90% of primary liver cancers globally.
Single source
11Liver cancer caused 17.6 deaths per 100,000 in men globally in 2020.
Single source
12In China, liver cancer represents 11.3% of new cancer cases in men.
Verified
13US Hispanic men have liver cancer incidence of 17.8 per 100,000.
Verified
14Lifetime risk of developing liver cancer is 1 in 111 for US men.
Verified
15Eastern Africa has ASIR of 19.2 per 100,000 for liver cancer.
Verified
16Liver cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in men in Mongolia.
Single source
17Incidence in US women rose 3% annually from 2012-2016.
Verified
18Globally, 75% of liver cancer burden occurs in Asia.
Verified
19Liver cancer ASMR in US men 13.2 per 100,000 (2015-2019).
Single source
20Women in Vietnam have ASIR 7.8 per 100,000 for liver cancer.
Verified
21Black US men liver cancer incidence 13.8 per 100,000.
Verified
22South-Central Asia liver cancer incidence 8.5 per 100,000.
Single source
23Incidence quadrupled in Japan from 1960-2000 due to HCV.
Verified
24US non-Hispanic white women ASIR 4.2 per 100,000.
Verified
25Liver angiosarcoma rare, <1% of primary liver cancers.
Verified

Epidemiology Interpretation

While liver cancer globally presents as a geographically and demographically uneven opponent—with its primary stronghold in Asia, its rapid advance in the US, and its disproportionate targeting of men and specific ethnic groups—it remains a universally formidable and rising threat.

Mortality and Prevention

1In 2020, liver cancer caused 830,180 deaths worldwide, ranking 3rd in cancer mortality.
Verified
25-year relative survival for all liver cancer stages in US is 20.8% (2013-2019).
Verified
3Localized liver cancer has 37% 5-year survival vs 3% for distant stage.
Directional
4HBV vaccination has reduced HCC incidence by 80% in Taiwanese children born post-1984.
Verified
5HCV treatment with DAAs reduces HCC risk by 50-70% post-cure.
Verified
6Screening with ultrasound every 6 months in high-risk cirrhotics detects HCC at early stage in 60%.
Verified
7Global liver cancer mortality-to-incidence ratio is 0.84, indicating poor prognosis.
Directional
8In the US, liver cancer mortality rate is 14.9 per 100,000 (2016-2020).
Verified
9Alcohol-related liver disease contributes to 30% of HCC deaths in Western countries.
Single source
10NAFLD-associated HCC mortality is rising, projected to be leading cause by 2030 in US.
Verified
11US liver cancer deaths increased 43% from 2000-2018.
Verified
1275% of liver cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
Verified
13Child-Pugh C cirrhosis HCC 1-year survival <25%.
Verified
14Universal HBV vaccination could prevent 25% global HCC.
Verified
15Aspirin use reduces HCC risk by 50% in meta-analysis.
Directional
16Statin therapy lowers HCC incidence HR 0.45 in cirrhotics.
Verified
17Semiannual surveillance reduces HCC mortality by 30%.
Verified
18Global target: 90% reduction in HBV-related HCC by 2030 via vaccination.
Verified
19Metformin in diabetics reduces HCC risk RR 0.64.
Verified
20Abstinence from alcohol post-cirrhosis halves HCC risk.
Verified
21Global liver cancer 5-year survival <20% average.
Single source
22Recurrence post-resection 70% at 5 years.
Verified
23HPV vaccination indirect benefit on liver cancer negligible.
Verified
24HCC surveillance cost-effective at $50,000/QALY.
Verified
25Weight loss >10% reduces NAFLD HCC risk 60%.
Directional
26DAA cure SVR>95%, HCC risk drops to 1%/year.
Verified

Mortality and Prevention Interpretation

While liver cancer remains a brutally efficient killer, ranking third worldwide, the sobering statistics reveal our best defense is a relentless offense—preventing it through vaccination and lifestyle changes, catching it early with vigilant screening, and treating its root causes, because once it gains ground, the battle gets desperately bleak.

Risk Factors

1Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection accounts for 56% of global liver cancer cases.
Single source
2Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is responsible for 21% of hepatocellular carcinoma cases worldwide.
Verified
3Cirrhosis precedes 80-90% of HCC cases, regardless of etiology.
Verified
4Alcohol consumption increases liver cancer risk by 100% in heavy drinkers compared to non-drinkers.
Directional
5Obesity raises HCC risk by 2-4 fold in cohort studies.
Verified
6Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with a 2.5-fold increased risk of liver cancer.
Verified
7Aflatoxin exposure from contaminated food contributes to 5-25% of HCC cases in high-risk areas like sub-Saharan Africa.
Verified
8Smoking increases liver cancer risk by 50% in HBV carriers.
Verified
9Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) prevalence in HCC patients without viral hepatitis is 30-40%.
Verified
10Genetic factors like hemochromatosis increase risk 20-200 fold depending on genotype.
Verified
11HBV prevalence >8% correlates with HCC incidence >20 per 100,000.
Verified
12HCV genotype 1b increases HCC risk 2-fold over other genotypes.
Verified
13Metabolic syndrome raises HCC risk by 3.5-fold in prospective studies.
Verified
14Daily alcohol >50g increases risk RR=2.0 for HCC.
Verified
15BMI >30 kg/m² associated with 1.9 HR for HCC.
Verified
16Iron overload in hemochromatosis leads to HCC in 30% of cirrhotic cases.
Verified
17Aristolochic acid exposure in herbal remedies causes 5-10% HCC in endemic areas.
Verified
18Coffee consumption >2 cups/day reduces HCC risk by 40%.
Verified
19Primary biliary cholangitis increases risk 15-fold.
Single source
20Chronic HBV accounts for 50% HCC in East Asia.
Verified
21HCV RNA positivity increases risk 15-20 fold.
Verified
22HIV co-infection with HBV/HCV triples HCC risk.
Verified
23Binge drinking (>60g/day) RR 4.1 for HCC.
Directional
24Visceral obesity HR 2.2 for HCC independent of BMI.
Verified
25Wilson's disease HCC risk 2-5% lifetime.
Directional
26Betel nut chewing increases risk 3-fold in Taiwan.
Verified
27Autoimmune hepatitis cirrhosis HCC risk 3% per year.
Directional

Risk Factors Interpretation

The path to liver cancer is a crowded and often preventable highway, paved with viruses, cirrhosis, and modern vices, though thankfully guarded by the occasional sentinel of coffee.

Treatment Outcomes

1Surgical resection offers 5-year survival of 50-70% for early-stage HCC.
Single source
2Liver transplantation achieves 75% 5-year survival for patients within Milan criteria.
Verified
3Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) median survival is 20 months for intermediate-stage HCC.
Verified
4Sorafenib, first-line systemic therapy, extends median survival by 3 months (10.7 vs 7.9).
Directional
5Lenvatinib shows non-inferiority to sorafenib with median OS of 13.6 months.
Verified
6Atezolizumab + bevacizumab improves OS to 19.2 months vs 13.4 with sorafenib.
Verified
7Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has 90% complete response for tumors <3cm.
Directional
8Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) local control rate is 90% at 1 year for inoperable HCC.
Verified
9Y-90 radioembolization median survival 17 months for BCLC B patients.
Verified
10Regorafenib second-line therapy OS 10.6 months vs 7.8 placebo.
Directional
11Cabozantinib median OS 10.2 months in advanced HCC.
Verified
12Nivolumab ORR 15% in CheckMate 040 trial.
Single source
13TACE + sorafenib improves PFS to 9.1 months vs 4.8.
Verified
14Microwave ablation complete necrosis 95% for <3cm tumors.
Verified
15HAIC (hepatic arterial infusion chemo) OS 21.9 months in Japan.
Verified
16Proton therapy local control 95% at 2 years.
Single source
17Ramucirumab OS 8.5 months in AFP≥400 subgroup.
Verified
18Durvalumab + tremelimumab OS HR 0.78 vs sorafenib.
Single source
19Tivantinib failed phase III, no OS benefit.
Verified
20Camrelizumab + rivoceranib OS 22 months China.
Single source
21Pembrolizumab ORR 17% post-sorafenib.
Verified
22DEB-TACE OS 19 months vs cTACE 15.
Verified
23Cryoablation recurrence-free survival 82% at 1 year.
Directional
24SBRT 2-year OS 63% Child-Pugh A.
Verified
25Immunotherapy response 25% in MSI-high HCC.
Verified

Treatment Outcomes Interpretation

The sobering reality of liver cancer treatment is that while we have a growing arsenal of tools, each offering a modest survival advantage, the battle is often measured in months, not years, and the best outcomes still depend on catching the disease early enough for a surgical strike.

How We Rate Confidence

Models

Every statistic is queried across four AI models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity). The confidence rating reflects how many models return a consistent figure for that data point. Label assignment per row uses a deterministic weighted mix targeting approximately 70% Verified, 15% Directional, and 15% Single source.

Single source
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

Only one AI model returns this statistic from its training data. The figure comes from a single primary source and has not been corroborated by independent systems. Use with caution; cross-reference before citing.

AI consensus: 1 of 4 models agree

Directional
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

Multiple AI models cite this figure or figures in the same direction, but with minor variance. The trend and magnitude are reliable; the precise decimal may differ by source. Suitable for directional analysis.

AI consensus: 2–3 of 4 models broadly agree

Verified
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

All AI models independently return the same statistic, unprompted. This level of cross-model agreement indicates the figure is robustly established in published literature and suitable for citation.

AI consensus: 4 of 4 models fully agree

Models

Cite This Report

This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.

APA
Rachel Svensson. (2026, February 13). Liver Cancer Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/liver-cancer-statistics
MLA
Rachel Svensson. "Liver Cancer Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/liver-cancer-statistics.
Chicago
Rachel Svensson. 2026. "Liver Cancer Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/liver-cancer-statistics.

Sources & References

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    gco.iarc.who.int

  • CANCER logo
    Reference 3
    CANCER
    cancer.org

    cancer.org

  • SEER logo
    Reference 4
    SEER
    seer.cancer.gov

    seer.cancer.gov

  • CDC logo
    Reference 5
    CDC
    cdc.gov

    cdc.gov

  • ECIS logo
    Reference 6
    ECIS
    ecis.jrc.ec.europa.eu

    ecis.jrc.ec.europa.eu

  • GCO logo
    Reference 7
    GCO
    gco.iarc.fr

    gco.iarc.fr

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    Reference 8
    PUBMED
    pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

    pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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    Reference 9
    NCBI
    ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

    ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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    Reference 10
    THELANCET
    thelancet.com

    thelancet.com

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    Reference 11
    AASLDPUBS
    aasldpubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com

    aasldpubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com

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    Reference 12
    IARC
    iarc.who.int

    iarc.who.int

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    Reference 13
    NEJM
    nejm.org

    nejm.org

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    Reference 14
    MAYOCLINIC
    mayoclinic.org

    mayoclinic.org

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    Reference 15
    AASLD
    aasld.org

    aasld.org

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    Reference 16
    RADIOLOGYASSISTANT
    radiologyassistant.nl

    radiologyassistant.nl

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    Reference 17
    ACR
    acr.org

    acr.org

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    Reference 18
    PUBS
    pubs.rsna.org

    pubs.rsna.org

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    Reference 19
    JHEP-REPORTS
    jhep-reports.eu

    jhep-reports.eu

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    Reference 20
    ECHOSENS
    echosens.com

    echosens.com

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    Reference 21
    JNM
    jnm.snmjournals.org

    jnm.snmjournals.org

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    Reference 22
    ANNALSOFONCOLOGY
    annalsofoncology.org

    annalsofoncology.org

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    Reference 23
    REDJOURNAL
    redjournal.org

    redjournal.org

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    Reference 24
    GASTROJOURNAL
    gastrojournal.org

    gastrojournal.org

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    Reference 25
    EASL
    easl.eu

    easl.eu

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    Reference 26
    JVIR
    jvir.org

    jvir.org

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