Deaths from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tied to alcoholic cirrhosis have surged dramatically among U.S. men over the past two decades. A national analysis found mortality rates nearly sextupled between 1999 and 2020, climbing from 0.107 to 0.612 per 100,000 people. In total, 9,837 deaths were recorded during this period.
Older men bear the heaviest burden. Those aged 65 and above saw rates soar from 0.352 to 1.927 per 100,000, far outpacing younger men. “These differences may reflect varying access to healthcare, lifestyle and metabolic risk profiles, and disparities in public health implementation,” the study notes.
Race-based trends reveal troubling patterns. Both White and Black men experienced significant increases in mortality, with overall rates of 0.338 and 0.348 per 100,000, respectively. While statistical differences between the two groups were not significant, researchers warn that data suppression for Black men in earlier years may mask deeper inequities.
Geography adds another layer of disparity. Western states posted the highest mortality rates, led by New Mexico, Vermont, and Oregon, while Mississippi and New Jersey reported the lowest. Urban and rural communities alike saw sharp increases, underscoring the widespread nature of this crisis.
Experts call for urgent action: earlier identification of at-risk individuals, stronger alcohol screening, and tailored surveillance strategies. Without targeted interventions, these rising trends threaten to deepen health inequities and strain healthcare systems nationwide.
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See: “Demographic Inequalities in Mortality Due to Hepatocellular Cancer in Male Patients With Alcoholic Cirrhosis in the United States: A CDC WONDER Database Analysis” (November 29, 2025)
