A Note from the Liver Cancers Program Director, Sarah Manes

As the Liver Cancers Program Director at Global Liver Institute, I’m proud to share two important milestones in liver cancer advocacy that emphasize both the urgency and the opportunity we have before us.

Global Spotlight: The Lancet Liver Cancer Commission

The newly released Lancet Commission on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a powerful wake-up call to the global health community. It highlights that more than 60% of liver cancer cases are preventable through action on hepatitis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and alcohol use. Without intervention, HCC cases could double by 2050 – reaching over 1.5 million new cases annually and 1.37 million deaths.

The Commission’s findings are a strong push for meaningful change:

• Early screening in high-risk populations (especially for MASLD and viral hepatitis)
• Equitable access to care and treatment
• Palliative care integration
• Preventive policies (e.g., hepatitis vaccination, liver screening, alcohol pricing, food labeling)

These are areas GLI has long championed – and where we are committed to accelerating progress.

Patient Voices: JCO Global Oncology Study Featuring GLI

Complementing the Commission’s data-driven urgency is a critical lens into the real-world lived experience of those affected. In a recent qualitative study published in JCO Global Oncology, liver cancer patients and caregivers reflected on their journeys – from diagnosis to decision-making and survivorship. GLI was honored to help connect several of these patients and families into this study. A special thanks to Liver Cancer Council member, Dr Patricia Jones, who led the research on this important study.

The study, “Patient and Caregiver Perspectives on Navigating Liver Cancer”, found that:

• Many patients were unaware of liver cancer risk factors prior to diagnosis.
• A lack of provider communication, screening and timely referrals left them feeling isolated and uninformed.
• There was a clear call for more culturally competent care, peer connection and educational support throughout the care continuum.

These findings clearly show that health systems change must be informed by patients’ voices, not just statistics. GLI remains committed to elevating those perspectives in everything we do – from policy to programming.

Together, these two landmark publications paint a comprehensive picture: liver cancer is preventable, yet rising, and patients are too often left out of both the prevention and care narrative.

At GLI, we help bring people together and make sure their voices are heard – linking data with human experience, policy with action, and communities with solutions. The time to act is now. And the time to centre patients – always.

Citation: Advocacy in action: A global call to address liver cancer. touchONCOLOGY.com. August 21st, 2025.