Liver cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in Hong Kong. People with hepatitis B, hepatitis C or cirrhosis have an increased risk of developing liver cancer, with the most common cause being hepatitis B in Hong Kong. According to the latest statistics published by the Hong Kong Hospital Authority, about 10% of the population are living with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)[1].
Liver cancer leads to approximately 1,500 deaths[2], annually, with 80% of the cases as related to hepatitis B virus[3]. The effectiveness and adoption of traditional cancer treatments for these patients have been limited due to most liver cancer cases as being complicated with cirrhosis of the liver.
Thanks to rapid medical advances, there are increasingly more treatment options for liver cancer. Recent research has even suggested that the complete removal of a cancer tumor is no longer impossible for patients with late-stage liver cancer. The latest information regarding liver cancer treatments and an overview of services follows below, including the frequently asked questions concerning patient diagnosis to their treatment, how symptoms present for the patient, the system for cancer staging and the treatment of liver cancer.