Liver cancer death rate doubles for men in 15 years

Thursday 12 July 2012

The number of men dying from liver cancer has doubled over the past 15 years, according to new figures from the national statistics office CBS.

Last year 468 men died from liver cancer, compared with 237 in 1996, the CBS said. For women the increase was 57% - from 182 in 1996 to 286 last year.

Cancer specialist Heinz-Josef Klumpen told the Telegraat the increase is related to diabetes and obesity, viral infections such as hepatitis B and C, and alcohol abuse. He expects the number of liver cancer deaths to continue to rise.

'Healthier diets and more exercise can help,' he said. 'And this year we will bring out guidelines for liver cancer screening... This should help reduce deaths because the earlier you discover liver cancer, the higher the survival chances.'

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