Epidemiology of hepatocellular carcinoma in Finistère. Prospective study from June 2002 to May 2003.

Objectives: The aims of this prospective study were to evaluate the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Finistère, an administrative district of western France, and to highlight epidemiological characteristics.

Methods: From June 1st 2002 to May 31st 2003, all cases of HCC in Finistère were registered prospectively. Standardized incidence rates were calculated.

Results: One hundred and six cases of HCC were registered. Standardized incidence rates were 13.8/100000 among men and 0.8/100000 among women. Among the incident cases of HCC, 52% were discovered in patients consulting for symptoms, and 28% in patients undergoing screening. The new non-invasive diagnostic criteria of HCC were used in 60% of cases. HCC was associated with cirrhosis in 89 patients (84%). Excessive alcohol intake was the main cause of cirrhosis. In all, 27 patients (25.5%) received potentially curative treatment.

Conclusion: Incidence of HCC is high in Finistère. The proportion of patients given potentially curative treatment is still low, illustrating how difficult screening can be when alcoholic cirrhosis predominates in the target population.