Abstract:
Liver cancer is a major health problem in Thailand, not only at
the most common type of cancer but also as the most fatal one.
Prognosis is poor, with the 5- year survival rate of less than
10%. Terminal liver cancer patients also suffer from pain and
discomfort. A number of cases are adults in a working age and
are major income providers for their families. Several measures
including prevention, improvement in early diagnosis and
treatment, and ameliorating the care for the terminally-ill patients
should be implemented. Identification of risk factors and frequent
surveillance of those with high risks, such as HBV-infected and
liver fluke-infested patients, may reduce the number of deaths
from liver cancer. Research in several areas is badly needed to
understand the risk factors, natural history, progression and
behaviors of the disease, which will lead to the prevention,
treatment and control of this cancer.