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Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Pakistan: An Update

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Liver Cancer in the Middle East

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a growing problem in developing countries such as Pakistan. Hepatitis C and B infection, dietary carcinogens, and emerging lifestyle changes continue to be major threats for rising HCC incidence. In particular, hepatitis C and B, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and aflatoxin-mediated HCC are major risk factors for HCC in our region. Certain high-risk behaviors like misuse of contaminated syringes, drug abuse, and use of unsterilized instruments for shaving and circumcision predispose to spread of viral infections which eventually lead to HCC. There is a need to develop strict policies and ensure their implementation at national level to improve prevention and screening. For patients with HCC, access to various treatments remains limited. Cost-effective treatments need to be reconsidered and alternate avenues explored, and public awareness regarding high-risk behaviors needs to increase for better control of HCC.

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  1. Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan

    Abu Bakar Hafeez Bhatti

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  1. Abu Bakar Hafeez Bhatti
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  1. Translational HCC Research, Liver Transplantation Institute, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey

    Brian I. Carr

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Bhatti, A.B.H. (2021). Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Pakistan: An Update. In: Carr, B.I. (eds) Liver Cancer in the Middle East. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-78737-0_25

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