Using updated population-based cancer registration (PBCR) data, we estimated nation-wide liver cancer statistics overall, by sex and by areas in China.

Qualified PBCR data of liver cancer in 2015 which met the data quality criteria were stratified by geographical locations, sex, and age groups. Age-specific incidence and mortality rates by sex and area were calculated. The burden of liver cancer was evaluated by multiplying these rates by the year of 2015 population. Chinese standard population in 2000 and World Segi′s population were used for the calculation of age-standardized rates (ASR) of incidence and mortality.

Qualified 368 cancer registries covered a total of 309 553 499 populations in China, accounting for 22.52% of the national population. It is estimated that there were 370 000 new cases (274 000 males and 96 000 females) of liver cancer in China. The age-standardized incidence rates by Chinese standard population (ASR China) and World Segi′s population (ASR World) were 17.64 per 100 000 and 17.35 per 100 000, respectively. Rural areas showed higher incidence (ASR China: 20.07 per 100 000, ASR World: 19.67 per 100 000) than urban areas (ASR China: 15.90 per 100 000, ASR world: 15.67 per 100 000). Subgroup analysis showed that western areas of China had highest incidence rate of liver cancer, with the ASR China of 20.65 per 100 000 and 20.22 per 100 000 for ASR world, respectively. For new cases of liver cancer deaths, there were 326 000 new deaths (242 000 males and 84 000 females) in China, with age-standardized mortality rate by Chinese standard population and World Segi′s population of 15.33 per 100 000 and 15.09 per 100 000, respectively. Rural areas showed higher mortality (ASR China: 17.17 per 100 000, ASR world: 16.86 per 100 000) than urban areas (ASR China: 14.00 per 100 000, ASR World: 13.81 per 100 000).

There is still a heavy burden of liver cancer in China. Rural residents have higher incidence and mortality of liver cancer compared with urban counterparts. It is likely that many factors such as hepatitis virus infection, and aflatoxin exposure play a dominating role. Prevention and control strategies should be enhanced in the future.

Liver neoplasms; Incidence; Mortality; Cancer registry; China