Liver Cancer (HCC)

Some communities face higher rates of liver disease, including liver cancer.

Liver cancer incidence is rising among African American and Hispanic adults while declining in other groups. Risk varies by race and ethnicity, but early detection, proper care, and healthy habits can reduce risk.

By sharing our health care journeys, we can inspire others like us to act and improve healthcare outcomes.

Patient stories

Hear real patients stories from patients like you.

“I had no pain, I had nothing, nor did I have knowledge of what a fatty liver meant.

So, I did not question my doctor as to what a fatty liver was, nor did my doctor indicate to me what changes in my lifestyle I had to make…”

—Anita, Fatty Liver Disease and HCC Patient

“If you’ve been cured from hepatitis C, you’re still at risk for HCC. See a hepatologist, as you still need to get checked regularly for liver cancer.”

—Alvin, HCC Patient

“A few years before my liver cancer diagnosis, my son passed away. I thought, why is it only me left? I must still be useful. I still have the strength to help people. I know how to comfort others. When I found out I had liver cancer, I asked myself why I looked so strong to others. It’s because I already have experience. There are still opportunities to do many things, still opportunities for treatment. That is a great blessing.” —Alice, Patient and advocate

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Hispanic American Community

Hispanic Americans are 2.5 times more likely to get liver cancer compared to the general population.

Once diagnosed, 60% of Hispanic patients can’t get a liver transplant because the cancer has already spread outside of the liver.

The most common risk factors found in Hispanic American liver cancer patients are fatty liver disease and diabetes:

~45% of Hispanic Americans have fatty liver and many have never even heard of the condition

Hispanic Americans patients are 2 times more likely to have diabetes

African American Community

African Americans are 1.5 times more likely to get liver cancer than the general population. They are less likely to be diagnosed with early-stage HCC than White patients and have the highest death rate of any ethnic group.

The most common risk factors found in African American liver cancer patients are hepatitis C and diabetes:

African Americans are 2 times more likely to die from hepatitis C and can develop HCC at earlier stages of liver disease

African American patients are ~2 times more likely to get diabetes

Asian American Community

Asian Americans have the second highest number of new liver cancer patients compared to the general population.

Foreign-born Asian Americans are more likely to get liver cancer than those born in the United States.

Asian American women are ~2 times more likely to get liver cancer compared to other women, and Asian American men are 60% more likely to die from liver cancer compared to other men.

The most common risk factor found in Asian American liver cancer patients is hepatitis B.

Asian Americans are 2 times more likely to get chronic hepatitis B, and many do not know they have this condition
Asian Americans have the highest rate of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. In fact, about one-third of Asian Americans with diabetes do not know they have the condition
Nonobese fatty liver makes up about 30% of all fatty liver cases in the US and these patients are more likely to die compared to obese fatty liver patients. Nonobese fatty liver is more common in foreign-born Asian Americans

Types of primary liver cancer

When liver cancer starts in the liver, instead of another part of the body, and spreads to the liver, it’s known as primary liver cancer.

Here are 4 types of primary liver cancer found in adults:

HCC, or hepatocellular carcinoma, is the most common type, ~90% of liver cancer in US adults
Bile duct cancer is not very common, seen in only ~10% of primary liver cancers
Angiosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma are 2 rare types that are seen in people who have been exposed to certain chemicals

How can you reduce your risk of getting liver cancer?

If you have a higher risk of getting liver cancer, consider some actions you can take to reduce your risk:

Many people with fatty liver disease don’t realize they have it. Contact your doctor to get tested!
With type 2 diabetes, it’s essential to make sure your blood sugar is under control. Work closely with your doctor if you have type 2 diabetes
Making better diet choices and working closely with your doctor can help to get your weight under control and can help you manage both fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes. Eat more fruits and vegetables and less red meats, high-fat dairy products, and processed foods
Hepatitis C virus can be treated, and it may even be cured. Please ask your doctor to screen you for HCC if you have been diagnosed with hepatitis C
Hepatitis B virus currently doesn’t have a cure. But it is treatable. First, ask your doctor to be screened if you are at high risk. If you’re positive, work with your doctor to treat hep B and reduce your risk for liver cancer
If you drink alcohol, drink moderately: no more than a drink a day for women and 2 for men
We know that quitting smoking can help improve your health overall. Quit smoking today. Talk with your doctor about resources to help

What if you have been diagnosed with liver cancer?

First, don’t lose hope. There are many FDA-approved treatment options, even to treat more advanced liver cancer. Work with your doctor and consult with an oncologist, a specialist who identifies and treats cancers.

Have you considered joining a clinical trial?
If you are interested in joining a clinical trial or if you want to learn more—Let’s get connected. We can help you identify a clinical trial that is the best fit for you.

Interested in sharing your story?
We want to hear from you. We must raise our voices to ensure that health care works for all of us. If you are selected, you will be paid for your time.