Approximately 4,700 Canadians were diagnosed with Hepatocellular carcinoma in 2023 with incidence rates continuing to rise. The 5-year survival rate remains alarmingly low at approximately 22%.
Unlike many other cancers, liver cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage when treatment options are limited. Current therapies, including surgery, liver transplants, and targeted treatments, can improve outcomes for some patients, but for many, effective long-term solutions remain out of reach.
Risk factors such as chronic hepatitis B and C infections, fatty liver disease, and alcohol-related liver damage contribute to the growing burden of this disease. Despite advancements in research, liver cancer remains a major challenge, highlighting the need for better screening, earlier detection, and novel treatment strategies.