touchONCOLOGY is delighted to support Global Liver Institute (GLI) as they officially launch their seventh annual #OctoberIs4Livers campaign, aiming to raise awareness about liver cancer and the disparities that affect communities at risk. This initiative comes in observance of Liver Cancer Awareness Month and this year focuses on the important theme “Addressing Disparities in Liver Cancer Care.”
Unfortunately liver cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers worldwide, with increasing incidence rates. Many cases are diagnosed only at advanced stages, due to nonspecific early symptoms, leading to a five-year survival rate of approximately 22% in the US. This is in stark contrast to about 58% in Japan, which boasts one of the most effective liver cancer care systems globally. Alarmingly, up to 70% of liver cancer cases are deemed preventable, highlighting the urgent need for effective screening and early intervention strategies, particularly for high-risk populations and those facing barriers to care, including:
- Rural Communities: Individuals living in rural areas and lower-income households often experience later-stage diagnoses and higher mortality rates due to limited access to healthcare facilities. Long travel distances to advanced care centres further complicate their situation.
- U.S. Veterans: Studies indicate that veterans are five times more likely to develop hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer, compared to the general population.
- Native and Indigenous Communities: American Indian and Indigenous peoples in Canada face significantly higher rates of hepatitis C infection and related mortality, making them particularly vulnerable to liver cancer.
Larry R. Holden, President & CEO of GLI, draws attention to the importance of tackling tense issues, “Liver cancer is tragic not only because of the devastating loss of life and health for so many patients and their families, but also because so many cases could have been prevented. We are proud of the leadership of our global partners, who honour past, present, and future patients by creating a better reality for liver cancer through effective policies, smart systems, and innovative technologies.”
The Global Liver Institute (GLI) emphasizes its commitment to addressing disparities in liver cancer care, particularly among vulnerable populations such as rural residents, Indigenous communities, immigrants, refugees, and U.S. veterans. By recognizing the specific challenges these groups encounter—such as limited healthcare access, socioeconomic barriers, and cultural mistrust—GLI aims to tailor its strategies to enhance early diagnosis and reduce mortality rates. Sarah Manes, Liver Cancers Program Director at GLI commented, “By acknowledging the unique challenges that diverse groups face—such as limited healthcare access, socioeconomic barriers, and cultural mistrust—we are committed to tailoring our approach to improve early diagnosis and reduce mortality rates. Our #OctoberIs4Livers campaign is dedicated to making a meaningful impact where it is needed most.”
The #OctoberIs4Livers campaign features a series of impactful components throughout the month, including:
- Updated Patient Resources: Redesigned materials about liver cancer and HCC are now available in eight languages, including Japanese and Vietnamese.
- Global Open House Events: New sites in The Gambia, Japan, and Vietnam will expand awareness and capacity for liver cancer treatment and prevention, bringing the total to seven participating sites.
- Policy Briefings and Roundtables: Weekly discussions will address the challenges and solutions for communities at risk and promote actionable steps to support effective policies.
- GLI LIVE Streaming: Weekly episodes will be available on GLI’s social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
The Global Liver Institute #OctoberIs4Livers campaign aims to shine a spotlight on the critical need for collaboration and targeted action to combat liver cancer disparities, ultimately working toward a healthier future for all individuals affected by this devastating disease.
Stay tuned for more content on the #OctoberIs4Livers campaign, coming soon!
Disclosures: This article was prepared by touchONCOLOGY in support of GLI and the #OctoberIs4Livers campaign. No funding or fees were associated with the creation or publication.
