Racial disparities in liver cancer: Evidence for a role of environmental contaminants and the epigenome.
Liver cancer incidence has tripled since the early 1980s, making this disease one of the fastest rising types of cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In the US, incidence varies by geographic location and race, with the highest incidence in the southwestern and southeastern states and among racial minorities such as Hispanic and Black individuals. Prognosis is also poorer among these populations. The observed ethnic disparities do not fully reflect differences in the prevalence of risk factors, e.g., for cirrhosis that may progress to liver cancer or from genetic predisposition. Likely substantial contributors to risk are environmental factors, including chemical and non-chemical stressors; yet, the paucity of mechanistic insights impedes prevention efforts. Here, we review the current literature and evaluate challenges to reducing liver cancer disparities. We also discuss the hypothesis that epigenetic mediators may provide biomarkers for early detection to support interventions that reduce disparities.
Duke Scholars
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- 3211 Oncology and carcinogenesis
- 3202 Clinical sciences
- 1112 Oncology and Carcinogenesis
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Published In
DOI
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- 3211 Oncology and carcinogenesis
- 3202 Clinical sciences
- 1112 Oncology and Carcinogenesis