Close
Early-onset liver cancer in the Hispanic/Latino population: A growing concern
Early-onset liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma, is becoming more common in the Hispanic/Latino population, especially among younger people. While liver cancer rates are decreasing or staying the same in other groups, they have been increasing in Hispanic/Latinos under the age of 50.
According to the American Cancer Society, cancer is the leading cause of death among Hispanic/Latino people, accounting for 17% of deaths. The South Texas region has some of the highest cancer incidence rates in the state of Texas, particularly for liver, breast, cervical and colorectal cancers. 2 Incidence rates of liver and bile duct cancer increases with age, and men have a nearly 3-times higher incidence rate than women.1 Hispanic/Latino men and women have a much higher risk of developing liver and intrahepatic bile duct cancer than non-Hispanic/Latinos.3
Why are Hispanics/Latinos at increased risk?
Amelie Ramirez, DrPH, MPH, associate director of Community Outreach and Engagement at UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, explains why there are higher cancer incidence rates in Hispanics/Latinos in a KSAT 12 News Townhall, Revolutionizing Cancer Care for South Texans.
“It’s a number of factors but one of them is cultural. Our community still fears cancer. They don't want to go see the doctor for fear of being told they might have cancer, so therefore, they're delaying coming in for the appropriate screenings that they might need,” Ramirez said.
Ramirez also emphasized the many social determinants of health that play a role in the high rates of liver cancer among Hispanic and Latino patients. “Things like not having a physician or insurance, not being able to pay a copay or not being able to take off time from work to come in for appointments; all of these things contribute to the delay of diagnosis,” Ramirez said. “We see that many Latinos are not surviving cancer because they are not coming in early enough. They are often diagnosed at stage 4 when the cancer is so far advanced that treatments are less effective,” Ramirez explained.
Several other factors can explain why Hispanics/Latinos are at an increased risk of developing liver cancer:
Infections: Liver cancers are often linked to infectious agents, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, making them largely preventable through vaccination and early detection strategies. However, some Latinos, especially those born outside the U.S., may have higher rates of these infections due to fewer vaccines or screenings in their home countries.
Obesity and diabetes: According to the 2024-2026 American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts and Figures for Hispanic/Latino People, this population has higher rates of obesity and diabetes, which can lead to a condition called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, causing liver damage over time and increasing the risk of cancer.
Alcohol use: In some cases, heavy alcohol use can damage the liver and lead to cirrhosis, a condition that raises the chance of liver cancer.
Genetics and family history: Certain genetic factors and family histories can also play a role in increasing your risk for cancer.
Detecting and preventing liver cancer
It’s important to be aware of your body and bring any concerns to your primary care provider. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult with a health care provider. Regular check-ups, especially for those with risk factors, can help identify liver cancer early.
Common symptoms of liver cancer include:
Abdominal pain
Decreased appetite
Weight loss
Fatigue
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
Nausea and vomiting
While there's no guaranteed way to prevent liver cancer, several steps can significantly reduce your risk:
Get vaccines for hepatitis B and screenings for hepatitis C.
Maintain a healthy body weight, avoid excessive alcohol consumption and eat a balanced diet.
Schedule regular check-ups with your doctor, especially if you have risk factors.
Be mindful of your health and consult a doctor if you experience any symptoms.
UT Health San Antonio leaders and national cancer experts have recently published a book called, "Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos: 2024 Conference Proceedings," which features promising research findings on Latino cancer and strategies for new research across the entire cancer continuum.
References
1. Liver Cancer. American Cancer Society. 2018.
2. Expected Cancer Cases and Deaths. Texas Cancer Registry, Texas Department of State Health Services. 2018.
3. Liver Cancer. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2018.