Upward Trend Contrary to Decline in Deaths from Other Cancers

    NEW YORK, Jan. 26, 2007 -- Deaths from liver cancer
increased over the past year in both men and women, reported the American
Liver Foundation, a national nonprofit organization that provides
education, advocacy and research on behalf of the 30 million Americans
affected by liver disease. This is despite recent news focusing on the
overall decline in the number of deaths due to most cancers.
    "We are overjoyed at the news about the overall decline in cancer
deaths," said Dr. James Boyer, Chair of the Board of the American Liver
Foundation. "However, it is important not to ignore the very clear fact
that liver cancer is one of the few cancers that are claiming more lives.
Although survival rates for liver cancer are slowly improving, more people
are being diagnosed with the disease than ever before."
    An estimated 16,780 Americans will die of liver cancer this year --
nearly 46 people each day. This is an increase of 580 deaths from the
disease since 2006, and 4,000 deaths more than ten years ago. It is
estimated that more than 19,000 new cases of liver cancer will be diagnosed
in 2007. This is over 1000 cases more than the previous year and 6,000 more
than 1997.
    The majority of liver cancer can be linked to cirrhosis of the liver.
Many liver diseases eventually cause cirrhosis, most notably hepatitis B
and C and fatty liver disease. Over four million Americans have been
infected with the hepatitis C virus and another 1.4 million have chronic
hepatitis B. It is further estimated that 10-20% of all Americans have
fatty liver disease.
    "The increase in liver cancer is due to the near epidemic rates of many
liver diseases. The hepatitis C virus, for example, is the fourth leading
cause of liver cancer-related deaths in the U.S. That is why the Foundation
is working every day to fight all forms of liver disease. The sooner any
liver disease is detected and treated, the less chance it will develop into
liver cancer," said Dr. Boyer.
    Both hepatitis B and fatty liver can be prevented, through vaccine and
weight control, respectively. And new antiviral treatments can help limit
the damage caused by hepatitis C in some patients. But, while progress is
being made in the research lab, in order to drive down rates of liver
cancer, we urge Americans to focus immediately on liver wellness. Only when
we stop the growth of liver disease in America can we slow down the
increase in liver cancer.
    Facts about liver cancer
    * Liver cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths
worldwide.
    * Over 80 percent of liver cancer cases in the US can be linked to
cirrhosis.
    * Long-term infection with hepatitis B or C is linked to liver cancer
because they often lead to cirrhosis. Hepatitis B can lead to liver cancer
without cirrhosis.
    * Fatty liver disease is also linked to both cirrhosis and liver
cancer.
    * The increase in hepatitis C infection and fatty liver disease in the
US lead experts to believe that liver cancer rates will continue to
increase.
    * Early detection of liver cancer significantly improves a person's
chance of survival.
    About the American Liver Foundation
    The American Liver Foundation is the nation's leading nonprofit
organization promoting liver health and disease prevention. ALF provides
research, education and advocacy for those affected by liver-related
diseases including hepatitis. Please visit the American Liver Foundation's
Web site at http://www.liverfoundation.org.

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