Liver Cancer

Abstract
Liver cancers, 75%–90% of which are hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), caused more than 600,000 deaths in 2002. They are the third most common cause of cancer deaths among men and sixth most common among women. Approximately 80% of HCCs and the resulting deaths occur in the developing countries of Asia and Africa. This chapter reviews the epidemiology of cancers that originate in the liver. Topics covered include classification, demographic patterns, environmental factors, host factors, pathogenesis, and preventive measures.