DiCE is launching its research project to map the status quo in preventing and treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) across the EU.

Liver cancer is the ninth most frequent cancer in Europe and the seventh most common cancer-related cause of death across Europe. Up to 90% of liver cancer cases are HCCs, which is known to be a highly preventable cancer, as its most common causes (for example, viral hepatitis B and C infection) can be prevented. Furthermore, the earlier the HCC is detected, the better the patient’s prognosis. It is easy to infer who is at high risk of developing liver cancer. Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) is the most significant risk factor for liver cancer. Up to 90% of liver cancer cases occur in patients with underlying cirrhosis. Screening groups of people for liver cancer who are at high risk of developing this disease is recommended as a robust method for reducing mortality. Hence, liver cancer surveillance needs to be implemented in high-risk groups. Unfortunately, this is not standard procedure across the EU. 

This year, DiCE will be examining several angles related to the current situation in HCC prevention and diagnosis across the EU, including hepatitis B and C and HCC prevalence, hepatitis B and C management, the stigma around HCC and liver disease, the average timing of HCC diagnosis and the diagnostic process. A survey is currently being disseminated among multiple stakeholders (clinicians, academics, public health professionals, and patient advocates) to answer the necessary questions related to these topics. If you are a member of any of these stakeholder groups, we invite you to complete the survey.

Once we have the necessary data, we will create an interactive map summarising the country-by-country results and an executive summary of the general status quo within the EU. This will be available on the DiCE website starting October 2024.

For further information, please contact the project lead, Lili Gundelach.

Author:
Lili Gundelach