Hepatocellular carcinoma over three decades in Victoria, Australia: epidemiology, diagnosis and trends, 1984–2013

Abstract

Background: Liver cancer continues to be a health priority in Australia, with the majority attributable to preventable causes, and certain populations at higher risk. Aims: Epidemiological assessment of incidence, trends and distribution to inform prevention, and reassessment of data in light of recent changes to registry case definitions. Methods: Reported cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Victoria, Australia, 1984–2013, were obtained from the Victorian Cancer Registry. Demographic characteristics were examined, incidence and survival assessed using Poisson and Cox regression, and geographic distribution mapped. Incidence was compared before and after inclusion of non-histologicall..