Epidemiology of Liver Cancer in Ban Luang District, Nan Province, Thailand: from 2011-2013

Abstract

Background: Liver cancer is the major cause of death in Ban Luang district, Nan province. Its incidence is the highest in the northern region of Thailand.
Objective: To study the epidemiology of primary liver cancer in Ban Luang district during 2011-2013 and compare with the previous study in 2008.
Material and method: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted among the population in Ban Luang district who were diagnosed with primary liver cancer during January 2011 - December 2013. Data obtained from the population-based information of Ban Luang Hospital. Crude incidence rate (CR) and age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) were analyzed.
Results: An average of 25 cases annually was found. Male was prominent (3:2). The mean age was 58.2 years (range, 38-84). Cholangiocarcinoma was the most common (77.3%), followed by unspecified liver cancer (18.7%) and hepatocellular carcinoma (4.0%). Most cases were diagnosed by pathological report (45.3% ). The annual CR per 100,000 population in males was 245.5 and in females was 169.8. The annual ASR per 100,000 world population in males was 189.2 and in females was 107.0. The highest incidence was found in Ban Fa sub-district, followed by Pakaluang, Suad and Ban Pee sub-districts.
Conclusion: Primary liver cancer was found in all sub-districts of Ban Luang district. The incidence increased in Ban Fa, Suad and Banpee sub-districts. Cholangiocarcinoma is the most common type. More patients underwent surgery because of early cancer detection.