Aspectos Epidemiológicos Del Cáncer De Hígado en Costa Rica Años 1990-2014

Abstract

Today, liver cancer involvement has become more relevant, as globally and more specifically in the Americas, there has been an increase in liver cancer, which is not inconsiderable as a cause of global mortality.

Liver cancer represents a pathology that affects various population groups worldwide, with hepatocellular carcinoma being the most common.

While it is true that liver cancer was not included in the main cancers with the highest incidence in Costa Rica, primary liver cancer is said to be a major health problem worldwide.

In Costa Rica during the period 1990 to 2014, there was a greater involvement by liver cancer in men, the hepatitis C virus presented the highest mortality rate as a cause of this condition, followed by liquor consumption and other causes. The age group with the highest mortality rate was the population over the age of 70.

The overall mortality rate showed a noticeable decrease; however, compared to other Latin American countries the rate in Costa Rica is higher, similar to that of the United States.

The epidemiological characteristics analyzed showed in their rates a tendency to decline.

Both incidence rate and prevalence over the 25 years of study showed higher male than female numbers.