Trends in liver and biliary cancers in England and Wales
Author Information
Author(s): Wood H, Logan R F A, Quinn M, Aithal G P
Primary Institution: University of Nottingham Medical School
Hypothesis
The study aimed to determine whether the incidence trends for liver and biliary tract cancers were similar and if the increasing occurrence of cholangiocarcinoma has continued.
Conclusion
The incidence of primary liver cancer has increased significantly, especially for intrahepatic bile duct cancer, while gallbladder cancer incidence has halved.
Supporting Evidence
- The incidence of intrahepatic bile duct cancer increased around 12-fold.
- Liver cell cancer rates increased by 45% in males but less than 10% in females.
- Cholangiocarcinoma became the most common type of primary liver cancer in females.
Takeaway
Over the last 30 years, more people in England and Wales are getting liver cancer, especially a type called intrahepatic bile duct cancer, while fewer people are getting gallbladder cancer.
Methodology
The study calculated directly age-standardised incidence rates for liver, gallbladder, and biliary tract cancers using cancer registry data from England and Wales from 1971 to 2001.
Potential Biases
There may be risks of bias due to differences in diagnostic accuracy between incidence and mortality data.
Limitations
The study may be affected by changes in diagnostic techniques and coding practices over the years.
Participant Demographics
The study analyzed data from both males and females in England and Wales.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI 46–66%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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