The most common cause of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) worldwide is chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
Chronic HBV infection leads to inflammation and damage in the liver over time. This chronic inflammation can eventually lead to cirrhosis, which significantly increases the risk of developing HCC. While other factors contribute to HCC development, HBV is globally the most prevalent underlying cause. Universal hepatitis B vaccination programs are expected to reduce the incidence of HCC.
While HBV is the leading global cause, the specific causes of HCC can vary depending on geographic location and other risk factors. For example, in some regions, chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection or alcoholic liver disease may be more prevalent causes.
The overall five-year survival rate for HCC is unfortunately low, around 18%, highlighting the importance of prevention and early detection.
