Primary liver cancer starts in the cells of the liver. Primary liver cancer should not be confused with the metastatic forms of other cancers, such as colorectal cancer, which often colonize the liver. The liver has many important functions, one of which is to filter harmful substances such as viruses from the blood.

Although liver cancer is the 18^th most diagnosed type of cancer and the 17^th most important cause of cancer-attributed deaths amongst Canadians, it is the fourth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. This incidence discrepancy between Canada and the world average is mainly attributed to infections such as chronic hepatitis B and C infections which may lead to liver cancer and which are more common in other countries.

The relative 5-year survival rate for liver cancer in Canada is estimated at 18%. It has been estimated that for the year 2011, 1,950 new liver cancer diagnoses would be made in Canada and 810 Canadians would die from the disease; 79% men for 21% women.

This section is still in construction. Please come back shortly for a more complete description of the disease.

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