Abstract:  Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of liver cancer incidence and mortality in Gansu cancer registration
areas from 2009 to 2015, and to provide the evidence for the prevention and treatment strategies of liver cancer. Methods The data reported by 10 cancer registries in Gansu Province were collected, based on the auditing method developed by National Central Cancer Registry, as sample data to describe the distribution of incidence and mortality of liver cancer in Gansu Province. Stratified by areas (both urban and rural), gender and age groups, the crude incidence and mortality, age?standardized rate by Chinese standard population (ASR China), age?standardized rate by Segi's population (ASR world), cumulative rate, the changing trend of incidence and mortality and other indicators were calculated. Results From 2009 to 2015, there were 7, 457 new cases of liver cancer in Gansu cancer registration areas, with the crude incidence rate of 19.63/10⁵, ASR China of 17.36/105, and ASR world of 19.56/10⁵, ranking the third in the incidence of all malignant tumors. A total of 3, 279 death cases of liver cancer, with the crude mortality rate of 16.48/10⁵, ASR China of 15.04/10⁵, and ASR world of 17.36/10⁵, ranked the fourth among all malignant tumor deaths. Both the incidence and mortality of liver cancer increased with the age, and reached the peak in 85+ age group which was higher in rural areas than in urban areas; and in males than in females. The incidence of liver cancer in Gansu Province from 2009 to 2015 showed an upward trend, with annual percent change (APC) of 2.5% (t=1.0, P=0.4); the mortality showed a downward trend, with APC of -3.7% (t=-1.1, P=0.3）. Conclusions The incidence of liver cancer in Gansu cancer registration areas shows an increase, and the mortality shows a decrease. The rural areas and male populations are the key targets for intervention.

Key words: Liver cancer, Incidence, Mortality, Epidemiology, Cancer registration, Gansu Province