Fastest growing deadly cancer is revealed with surprising hotspots

The Carpentaria, Kingaroy and Rockhampton regions have emerged as the liver cancer hotspots as the number of diseases soar, chilling new data has revealed.

Liver cancer rates have doubled since 1996 with obesity emerging as the main risk factor, pushing aside smoking and alcohol.

The Australian Cancer Atlas research shows that nationally in 1996 4.1 cases were diagnosed per 100,000 people while there were 9.0 in 2019.

The researchers have found that diagnosis rates have soared irrespective of geographic location or socio-economic status.

The number of cases in Carpentaria are 54 per cent above the Australian average and survival rates are 20 per cent below average.

Kingaroy has a diagnosis rate that is 48 per cent lower than average and survival chances 13 per cent above average.

Rockhampton has low diagnosis rates with 31 per cent below average but survival is 13 per cent worse.

Southern Downs has 27 per cent fewer cases than the average and chance of survival is 7 per cent below.

The Liver Foundation reports that liver cancer is the fastest increasing cancer in Australia, with patient outcomes at “appallingly” low levels of just 49 per cent survival past one year and 22 per cent survival past 5 years.

Cigarettes and alcohol are some of the leading causes in liver cancer. Picture: Steven Saphore

Liver disease expert QIMR Berghofer scientist Professor Grant Ramm told The Courier Mail that obesity has pushed aside smoking and alcohol to become the major risk factor for liver cancer.

“Obesity, leading to metabolic associated fatty liver disease has become a problem over the last decade or two. Sedentary lifestyle and poor diet can cause liver problems,” he said.

Fatty liver disease is the most common liver disease in the world and impacts one in three adults. It can lead to liver cancer.

The foundation reports that metabolic-associated fatty liver disease is fast becoming the main reason for liver transplant in Australian adults. Genetic liver disease still impacts infants and children.

Professor Ramm said that detection of early liver cancer is less likely in the regions.

“Problems may go undetected leading to more advanced disease. Liver cancer is detected by ultrasound but if people are getting regular check-ups at their GPs a blood test can check liver function which can pick up problems early on,” he said.

Compared to major cities, regional and remote areas have a poorer intake of fruit — 60 per cent vs. 56 per cent and a similar trend with vegetables — 93 per cent vs 94 per cent.

Liver disease can present with symptoms like stomach ache, loss of appetite, swollen stomach, bruising and extreme fatigue.