Logo-ija
Int J Aging. 2024;2: e13.
doi: 10.34172/ija.2024.e13
  Abstract View: 184
  PDF Download: 136

Review Article

Liver Cancer in the Middle East and North Africa: Epidemiology, Trends, and Risk Factors

Mohammad-Salar Hosseini 1 ORCID logo, Manouchehr Khoshbaten 2 ORCID logo, Ali-Asghar Kolahi 3 ORCID logo, Saeid Safiri 1* ORCID logo

1 Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
2 Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
3 Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
*Corresponding Author: Saeid Safiri, Email: safiris@tbzmed.ac.ir

Abstract

Objectives: Considering the growing concerns about the rising incidence of this cancer in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), this literature review presents the local epidemiology and trends of liver cancer, along with a practical estimation of its epidemiology and contributing risk factors.

Design: Review Article.

Setting(s): Middle East and North Africa.

Outcome Measures: MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science databases, as well as Google Scholar, were searched up to September 2024 using representative keywords and MeSH terms. Studies reporting the epidemiology of liver and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in the region or an analysis of the contributing infectious diseases, non-communicable disorders, genetic predispositions, behavioral aspects, and environmental factors were included. A qualitative synthesis was performed, and the results were presented using thematic narrative synthesis.

Results: Liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is rapidly growing in the MENA region, driven by a combination of viral hepatitis, underlying metabolic disorders, and environmental exposures. Liver cancer epidemiology varies across the region, with countries like Egypt historically burdened by hepatitis C, while Gulf states experience rising cases linked to metabolic disorders. Projections indicate a continued increase in the incidence of liver cancer due to the ongoing obesity and diabetes epidemics.

Conclusions: Despite the success of viral hepatitis management campaigns in some countries, the region faces significant challenges in controlling the rising burden of liver cancer related to metabolic disorders. Prevention strategies should focus on lifestyle and dietary interventions, alongside the need for improved cancer registries, better data collection, and policy reforms. A multidisciplinary approach, combining public health initiatives and targeted healthcare improvements, is essential to reduce regional liver cancer incidence and improve outcomes.


Please cite this article as follows: Hosseini MS, Khoshbaten M, Kolahi AA, Safiri S. Liver cancer in the Middle East and North Africa: epidemiology, trends, and risk factors. Int J Aging. 2024;2: e13. doi: 10.34172/ija.2024.e13
First Name
 
Last Name
 
Email Address
 
Comments
 
Security code


Abstract View: 185

Your browser does not support the canvas element.


PDF Download: 136

Your browser does not support the canvas element.

Submitted: 15 Sep 2024
Accepted: 16 Sep 2024
ePublished: 12 Oct 2024
EndNote EndNote

(Enw Format - Win & Mac)

BibTeX BibTeX

(Bib Format - Win & Mac)

Bookends Bookends

(Ris Format - Mac only)

EasyBib EasyBib

(Ris Format - Win & Mac)

Medlars Medlars

(Txt Format - Win & Mac)

Mendeley Web Mendeley Web
Mendeley Mendeley

(Ris Format - Win & Mac)

Papers Papers

(Ris Format - Win & Mac)

ProCite ProCite

(Ris Format - Win & Mac)

Reference Manager Reference Manager

(Ris Format - Win only)

Refworks Refworks

(Refworks Format - Win & Mac)

Zotero Zotero

(Ris Format - Firefox Plugin)