Surveillance for liver cancer in primary care: A systematic review of the evidence

What does liver cancer surveillance look like in the Australian primary care landscape? Researchers conducted a systematic review looking at how the Australian primary care space is responding to the rising mortality rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) nationally by investigating targeted surveillance in primary care. Thirty-two studies, focusing predominantly on viral hepatitis and cirrhosis patients, reveal lower HCC surveillance rates in primary care compared to specialists such as gastroenterologists or hepatologists. Additional support for primary care providers, such as reminder systems and nurse follow-up, enhances surveillance rates. Key barriers include primary care providers lack of awareness regarding HCC risks and surveillance recommendations, as well as competing priorities in managing patients with multimorbidity. The study emphasises the necessity of accompanying primary care-based HCC surveillance programs with increased support for primary care providers and strategies to raise awareness of clinical recommendations. The findings highlight the crucial role of primary care in early HCC detection and emphasise the importance of tailored support for effective surveillance. Read the original article here.

Authors: Anh Le Tuan Nguyen, Kristi Milley, Paige Druce, Ashleigh Qama, Mairead McNamara, Jamieson Wong, Napin Karnchanachari,Barbara de Graaff