HCC Burden in Egypt

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the commonest primary cancer of the liver. \rGeographical distribution of HCC varies throughout the world with an incidence \rrate ranging from 2.1 in Central America to 35.5 in Eastern Asia. The burden \rof HCC has been increasing in Egypt with a doubling in the incidence rate in \rthe past 10 years. This may be attributed to high prevalence of HCV in Egypt. \rEgypt has a high incidence of HCC about 21% in cirrhotic Egyptian patients. HCV \rand HBV infections, diabetes and smoking are the main determinants of HCC \rdevelopment in Egypt. Occult HBV infection may influence the outcome of HCV \rinfection leading to development of HCC. An active surveillance and secondary \rprevention programs for patients with chronic hepatitis are the most important \rsteps to reduce the risk of HCC.