1113 Epidemiological Study of Liver Cancer Incidence in the U.S.-Mexico Border Region

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Liver cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer-related death in men and the seventh most common in women, accounting for 7% and 4%, respectively, of all cancer-related deaths. In the United States, the incidence of liver cancer has more than tripled since 1980, and it continues to increase by about 3% per year in women and 4% per year in men. Mortality rates from liver cancer have also increased at a faster pace than all other cancer sites. The rising trend of liver cancer is likely attributed to an aging population with chronic hepatitis C virus infection and the increasing prevalence of diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and NAFLD; risk factors that are amenable to intervention. In this study, we investigate the burden of liver cancer in persons living near the U.S.-Mexico border. METHODS: Incidence statistics for liver cancer in counties along the U.S.-Mexico border were obtained from the NIH National Cancer Institute, State Cancer Profiles. Incidence rates (per 100,000 population) were compared by race (non-Hispanic white and Hispanic) and gender from 2011 to 2015. Variability in rates and changes in trends over the period were reported with 95% confidence intervals. Only descriptive data was reported - a statistical trend test was not used to analyze incidence rates over time. RESULTS: Incidence rates of liver cancer are higher in states that border Mexico. In general, Hispanics have higher average annual incidence rates of liver cancer than non-Hispanic whites, and this finding is even more noticeable in those living in counties along the U.S.-Mexico border, where rates of liver cancer in Hispanic men and women are higher than the state and national averages for Hispanics. Furthermore, an upward trend in liver cancer incidence was noted in Hispanic men living in El Paso County and Hispanic women living in San Diego County (Figure 1). CONCLUSION: Hispanics have the highest incidence rates of liver cancer, and this finding is more pronounced in those living near the U.S.-Mexico border; where the prevalence of known risk factors are higher. Increasing awareness and targeting preventive practices are needed to reduce the future impact imposed by liver cancer.