Epidemiology of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Latvia from 1997 to 2017

We analysed the age- and sex-specific incidence, disease-stage distribution, treatment modalities, and survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Latvia from 1997 to 2017. Retrospective data from the Cancer Registry of Latvia identified 692 men and 427 women aged >19 years who were diagnosed with HCC, confirmed by autopsy, morphological, radiological, or clinical examinations. The total incidence of HCC increased from 2.63 to 3.75 cases per 100 000 person-years in 1997–2007 and 2008–2017, respectively. It was higher in men and increased with age. Two-thirds (65.9%) of patients were diagnosed with stage IV HCC. Overall, 935 patients died during follow-up. The survival rate was low: 32.5% and 22.2% of patients survived for 6 months and 1 year after diagnosis, respectively. Male sex, older age, and advanced stage at diagnosis were associated with poor prognosis. The proportion of radically treated patients was higher, and survival was better, in the period 2008–2017. Our epidemiological analysis of HCC over 20 years shows that the overall incidence of HCC has been increasing in Latvia since 1997; however, it is similar to that of other European countries. Advanced stage at diagnosis results in a low proportion of radically treated patients and poor overall survival.