Hepatocellular carcinoma and industrial epidemics

Abstract

Worldwide, the burden of the non viral causes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is usually underestimated. Clearly industrial goods, tobacco, alcohol and processed foods are the agents of new epidemics in modern times which far outscore the burden of infectious agents on morbidity and mortality. Smoking, a dose-related contributing factor for HCC, receives too little attention in clinical practice. In France, tobacco, hepatitis B and C virus and alcohol are the main risk factors for HCC mortality (33%, 31% and 26%, respectively). In developing countries, where tobacco consumption is dramatically increasing, this epidemic may soon surpass hepatitis B. Obesity and diabetes are the contributing factors too. The role of industrial processed foods in the increase of the prevalence of obesity and diabetes cannot be ignored.

Key Words: Hepatocellular carcinoma; Tobacco; Alcohol; Processed foods; Industrial epidemics

TO THE EDITOR

Worldwide, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer and the third most common cause of cancer-related death. The Journal must be acknowledged for the publication of Blonski et al[1] review who wisely underlined the burden of non viral causes of HCC which are usually underestimated.

Blonski et al[1] rightly stressed the role of smoking, a dose related contributing factor for HCC, and this is important because some are still ignoring it[2]. In France, tobacco, hepatitis B and C virus and alcohol are the main risk factors for HCC mortality (33%, 31% and 26%, respectively)[3,4].

Blonski et al[1] also listed obesity and diabetes as contributing factors for HCC. The role of industrial processed foods in the increase of the prevalence of obesity and diabetes cannot be ignored.

Clearly industrial goods, tobacco, alcohol and processed foods are the agents of new epidemics in modern times which far outscore the burden of infectious agents on morbidity and mortality.