Liver cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Vietnam, and its death toll almost matches the number of new cases each year. Knowing why this happens and what you can do is essential for protecting your health.

GLOBOCAN 2024 reports that Vietnam sees 14,591 new liver cancer cases and 13,664 deaths each year, a fatality rate of about 94 %. These numbers make liver cancer one of the deadliest cancers in the country.

Chronic hepatitis B is the main driver, accounting for over 62 % of liver cancer cases in Vietnam, far higher than the global share of 39 %. About seven million Vietnamese live with chronic hepatitis B or C, often unaware until the disease is advanced. This large hidden pool fuels the high mortality rate.

Other high‑risk factors include chronic hepatitis C, cirrhosis, drinking more than three alcohol units per day, fatty liver disease, obesity, diabetes, tobacco use, and eating moldy foods. Specialists advise a combined screening approach—abdominal ultrasound plus blood‑marker tests—every three to six months, which can cut mortality by up to 37 %. Regular screening catches the disease early, when treatment is more effective.

Experts summarise prevention as the ‘three dos’: get vaccinated against hepatitis B, undergo at least one screening for hepatitis B/C, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. They also stress the ‘three don’ts’: avoid alcohol abuse, quit smoking and never eat moldy foods, and keep any prescribed medical treatments without interruption.