Experts join forces for World Liver Cancer Month to make the disease visible

Globally, it is estimated that more than 900,000 people are diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)type liver cancer more frequent. It is also considered the sixth most common cancer and one of the few cancers with an increasing mortality rate. In Spain in particular, more than 6,000 new cases are diagnosed annually and, unlike other types of tumors, the incidence is increasing annually. On the occasion of World Disease Control Day (30 October) Roche hosted the meeting “Ligados a ti: Conversations on Liver Cancer”, which brought together specialists in the fields of oncology, hepatology, nursing, psychology and patients to consider various aspects of identifying and approaching hepatocellular carcinoma, promoting its visibility and knowledge. among the general population.

In addition to this meeting, Roche, in collaboration with the National Federation of Patients and Liver Transplants (FNETH), provided patients and caregivers with various interesting resources, such as infographics and video tablets, to inform and raise public awareness about liver cancer. , as well as consultations for patients on topics such as mental health, sexuality, nutrition or exercise, and others.

As explained Beatriz Lozano, Director of Communications, Patients and Social Responsibility Roche Farma Spain, “At Roche, we are committed to liver cancer research and to liver cancer patients. We want to contribute to improving the quality of life of people living with this disease. An example of this is this type of initiative where we speak to all involved agents, healthcare professionals and patients to understand first hand their needs at all levels, both therapeutic and social and emotional.

Eliminating social stigma: one of the challenges facing liver cancer

Nine out of 10 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma are caused by pre-existing chronic liver diseaseincluding, but not limited to, chronic hepatitis B and C infections, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, alcoholic liver disease (ALD), and cirrhosis resulting from these conditions.

In this sense, Eva Perez Bech, President of the National Federation of Liver Patients and Transplantologists (FNETH)noted that “In some ways, all liver-related diseases are very stigmatized, given their association with unhealthy lifestyle habits. Added to this is that there is very little awareness about liver cancer. That’s why this type of initiative is so important to help understand the situation these people are in, their loneliness and misunderstanding, and the fear they have to talk about what they’re going through.”. For my part, Rosa Maria Gomez, Psychologist FNETHcommented on this “Often these people are afraid to say that they suffer from this disease, which is directly related to alcohol consumption. In our field, we work a lot on their adaptation after diagnosis, with family dynamics as that will be so important. important influence on his life and the life of his family.”.

Early diagnosis, screening and treatment adherence: the key to disease control

If liver cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, potentially curative treatments or interventions are often chosen. However, it is estimated that 50% to 70% of people with early stage HCC experience disease recurrence after surgery within 5 years. In fact, early relapse is associated with a worse prognosis and shorter survival.

In this sense, the doctor Angela Lamarca, Medical oncologist specializing in gastrointestinal tumors at the Jiménez Díaz Foundation University Hospital in Madrid.noted that “Fortunately, there are screening methods for this disease. The sooner the condition is diagnosed, the greater the patient’s chance of survival, so raising awareness and talking about the disease is key. continue to remain invisible”. At the same time, the expert emphasizes that “It is very important that the patient understands how advanced the disease is and what type of treatment they can receive, and also have a multidisciplinary committee that offers these people the best options that are tailored to each patient’s profile.”.

Compliance with screening is also a fundamental part of early detection, allowing treatment to begin as soon as possible. “It is very important to improve patient survival”doctor warns Marco Sanduzzi-Zamparelli, hepatologist specializing in liver tumors at the Department of Liver Oncology of the Barcelona Clinic Hospital. The expert also insists on the need for a multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of liver cancer. “There is no single treatment and no single specialist. Optimal patient management should be multidisciplinary. This approach involves the participation of different specialists to cover all aspects associated with the disease at each of its phases,” dot.

Finally, doctor Eva Roman, advanced practice nurse for patients with liver disease at Sant Pau Hospital in Barcelonaindicates that it is important that “Patients who have chronic liver disease should be aware of the importance of preventing and treating the disease, as it can lead to liver cancer. If they have risk factors, they should not refuse screening, as this will be the only “way” to detect cancer – if it exists – in the early stages.”– he concludes.