Liver cancer screening: Experts urge regular testing for high-risk groups

Medical experts emphasize the importance of regular screening for liver cancer, as the disease often presents no symptoms in its early stages. High-risk groups, including those with chronic hepatitis B or C and liver cirrhosis, are advised to undergo liver ultrasounds and serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) tests every six months.

In South Korea, individuals aged 40 and older in high-risk categories can access these screenings twice a year through national programs. If abnormalities are detected, doctors utilize CT or MRI scans for further diagnosis. Treatment options vary based on liver function and tumor size, ranging from surgical resection and localized treatments to liver transplants or chemoembolization (TACE).

In Vietnam, clinicians at Bach Mai Hospital note that while ultrasound and AFP tests are useful, they have limitations. Ultrasound alone detects approximately 47% of early-stage cases, rising to 63% when combined with AFP. However, because nearly half of patients may show normal AFP levels, experts suggest incorporating additional tests like PIVKA-II or the GAAD method—which utilizes age, gender, AFP, and PIVKA-II—to increase early detection rates to as high as 88.5%.