Within the framework of liver day, the Peruvian medical community launches an urgent call to action to strengthen the surveillance and early detection of hepatecellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer in the country. The worrying reality is that less than 30% of patients with HCC in Peru are diagnosed in initial stages, when healing treatment options are viable.
El Dr. Javier DíazHepatologist at the Rebagliati hospital, emphasizes the seriousness of the problem. “Hepatecellular carcinoma represents more than 70% of cases of primary liver cancer in Peru. Without an early diagnosis strategy, therapeutic options are drastically reduced, especially in the public system, where access to innovative therapies is still limited and dependent on the type of health coverage,” said the specialist.
The development of hepathocellular carcinoma is closely linked to chronic liver diseases, in this regard, Dr. Díaz mentions the main risk factors identified:
- Hepatitis B and C Chronicles Unrelated: They are main causes of inflammation and progressive damage to the liver and many people do not know that they live with these infections.
- Excessive alcohol consumption: the liver can progressively damage, leading to inflammation, fibrosis and finally cirrhosis, a condition that significantly increases the risk of developing cell hepatocarcinoma (HCC).
- Metabolic hepatic steatosis (fatty liver): This disease associated with diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome, causes inflammation and liver fibrosis, increasing the risk of cancer.
- Hereditary diseases and exposure to toxins: Wilson’s disease, tyrosinemia and other metabolic conditions, as well as exposure to aflatoxins or vinyl chloride, can also severely damage the liver.
In recent years, the increase in diseases such as type 2 diabetes, sedentary lifestyle and an unhealthy diet has increased liver damage in the Peruvian population, creating a propitious scenario for the development of hepatecellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer. Given this, the specialist insists on the urgency of performing every 6 months with ultrasound and a tumor marker (fetoprotein alpha). “Early detection saves lives and with ultrasound and tumor markers, they are powerful tools that allow the prognosis of the disease, especially in contexts where access to advanced therapies is limited,” said Dr. Javier Díaz.
It also highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach, involving gastroenterologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, interventionist radiologists, among others. The formation of multidisciplinary equipment (EMD) is key to comprehensive care. “When EMDs work in a coordinated manner, more comprehensive clinical decisions are achieved and focused on patient’s well -being,” added the specialist.
Finally, it calls for strengthening the first level of attention, fundamental to detect risk factors and derive in a timely manner. Promoting its ability is crucial to reduce the impact of this silent, but highly lethal disease. The joint action between professionals, institutions and community is vital to face the HCC challenge.
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