Recent Statistics on Liver Disease Mortality Rates in Taiwan

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Zhenzhen Zhihui, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2000/12/29

Dr. Yang Guojun reply Internal Medicine

The incidence of liver cancer varies significantly around the world (Table 1), but it is recognized as one of the most common malignant tumors in humans.
In Taiwan, the incidence of liver cancer remains alarmingly high.
According to statistics from the Department of Health, in 1995, malignant tumors were the leading cause of death, with approximately 121.50 cases per 100,000 population.
Among these, liver cancer ranked first among malignant cancers in men and second among malignant cancers in women, with 24.47 deaths per 100,000 population attributed to this disease.
Consequently, around 5,000 people die from liver cancer each year in Taiwan, highlighting the severe threat it poses to public health.

Research conducted in Taiwan has identified several risk factors for liver cancer, including chronic infection with hepatitis B and C viruses, smoking, alcohol consumption, aflatoxin exposure, a family history of liver cancer, and elevated serum testosterone levels (1).
Table 2 lists the risk factors associated with the development of liver cancer.
In the past, patients often sought medical attention only after symptoms appeared, by which time the tumor size could be comparable to that of a papaya.
In such advanced cases of liver cancer, less than one-tenth are eligible for surgical resection, and those who cannot receive treatment have a very poor prognosis, with an average survival period of less than six months.
In recent years, the use of ultrasound and monitoring of serum alpha-fetoprotein levels for long-term follow-up of patients in specific high-risk groups has enabled the detection of many asymptomatic small liver cancers.
These tumors are typically less than 5 cm in size, and studies have shown that they often have a complete tumor capsule and better cellular differentiation, resulting in higher treatment efficacy.
With the introduction of many new liver cancer treatment techniques, we will review the trends in new treatments over the past few years.

Reply Date: 2000/12/29

More Info

Liver disease remains a significant health concern in Taiwan, as it does in many parts of the world. The mortality rates associated with liver disease have been a topic of research and public health interest, particularly due to the prevalence of viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and liver cirrhosis in the region.

Recent statistics indicate that liver disease is one of the leading causes of death in Taiwan. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Taiwan, liver disease, particularly liver cancer, has seen a notable increase in mortality rates over the past few decades. The age-standardized mortality rate for liver cancer in Taiwan was reported to be around 20 per 100,000 people, making it one of the top cancer-related deaths in the country. The high prevalence of hepatitis B and C infections contributes significantly to these statistics, as chronic infection can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

In terms of specific numbers, the Taiwan Cancer Registry reported that liver cancer accounted for approximately 15% of all cancer deaths in recent years. The mortality rate from liver disease has been influenced by several factors, including lifestyle choices, such as alcohol consumption and smoking, as well as the increasing rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome, which are risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

To provide a clearer picture, here are some key points regarding liver disease mortality in Taiwan:
1. Liver Cancer Prevalence: Liver cancer is the most common type of liver disease leading to death in Taiwan. The incidence has been rising, particularly among older adults.

2. Chronic Hepatitis B and C: Taiwan has one of the highest rates of chronic hepatitis B infection in the world, which significantly contributes to liver disease mortality. Hepatitis C, while less prevalent than hepatitis B, also poses a serious risk.

3. Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis, often a consequence of chronic liver disease, is another major cause of liver-related deaths. It can result from various factors, including viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, and fatty liver disease.

4. Demographics: The mortality rates tend to be higher in males than females, and the risk increases with age.

5. Public Health Initiatives: The Taiwanese government has implemented various public health initiatives aimed at reducing the incidence of liver disease, including vaccination programs for hepatitis B and public awareness campaigns about the risks of liver disease.

In terms of treatment and management, early detection through regular screening, particularly for those at high risk (such as individuals with chronic hepatitis B or C), is crucial. Lifestyle modifications, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol, can significantly improve liver health and reduce the risk of progression to severe liver disease.

If you are looking for specific charts or detailed statistics, I recommend checking the official website of the Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare or the Taiwan Cancer Registry, where they regularly publish updated statistics and reports on liver disease and cancer mortality rates. Unfortunately, I cannot send emails or attachments, but these resources should provide you with the information you need.
In conclusion, liver disease mortality rates in Taiwan are a pressing public health issue, with significant contributions from viral hepatitis and lifestyle factors. Continued efforts in prevention, early detection, and treatment are essential to reduce the burden of liver disease in the population.

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