Improving liver Cancer Health in Southeast Asian Communities: Closing the gap on liver cancer screening
Liver cancer incidence is increasing more rapidly than any other cancer in the United States, with a disproportionate burden borne by racial and ethnic minority populations. Migrants from East and Southeast Asia face particularly high risk due to chronic hepatitis B virus infection, which can lead to chronic liver inflammation, cirrhosis, and ultimately liver cancer. In the Midwest—specifically Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin—liver cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among Asians and the third leading cause among Black populations. Across the United States, minority populations experience higher liver cancer incidence, more frequent late-stage diagnoses, lower rates of treatment, and worse overall survival. Despite established screening recommendations for high-risk individuals, screening rates remain especially low in these populations.
Preliminary interviews with Southeast Asian patients with liver cancer revealed limited awareness of asymptomatic hepatitis B infection and its associated silent risk for liver cancer. To better understand barriers to liver cancer screening and treatment across the care continuum, this project will engage patients, community leaders, and healthcare providers through in-depth interviews to identify individual-, community-, and system-level challenges. In addition, the study will examine emerging liver cancer risk factors of concern within immigrant and minority communities by assessing both biological factors (including hepatitis virus genotypes through blood testing) and modifiable behavioral factors through surveys. These assessments will be expanded to other populations experiencing high liver cancer incidence. Together, these efforts aim to identify individuals at greatest risk and inform the development of tailored, multilevel interventions to prevent liver cancer and improve outcomes in these vulnerable populations.
Funding
National Institue on Minority Health and Health Disparities (K23 MD017217-01A1)
Mayo Clinic