Critical analysis of the liver cancer policies and programs in China: implications for international liver cancer control.

BACKGROUND: Liver cancer is among the top five causes of cancer death in 90 countries, with China accounting for a substantial proportion of the global burden. This study aimed to analyse the national liver cancer policies and programs in China. METHODS: This study applied a documentary research method using the systematic READ approach. Six national official websites and one public policy database were searched. The document analysis was based on the WHO Health System's Six Building Blocks and the WHO's four modules of cancer control (prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, and palliative care). RESULTS: A total of 74 liver cancer-related policies and 8 programs published from 1 January 1984 to 31 March 2025 were included in this study. The analysis revealed that liver cancer management in China mainly focused on Medical products and Technologies (n = 46, 62.16%), and Service Delivery (n = 34, 45.95%) within the WHO health system building blocks. When it came to WHO cancer control four modules, most policies (n = 39, 52.70%) targeted Diagnosis and Treatment of liver cancer, followed by Prevention of liver cancer (n = 33, 44.59%). Additionally, 8 national programs were implemented to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of liver cancer. Before 2019, the emphasis of liver cancer prevention was primarily on hepatitis prevention and control. However, since 2020, the national-level programs aimed at preventing and controlling liver cancer emphasizing patient education and treatment for high-risk groups. CONCLUSIONS: China's liver cancer control mainly focused heavily on prevention, diagnosis and treatment modules with special focus on medical products and technology, as well as service delivery. Currently, less attention has been given to the detection and palliative care of survivors. The control of liver cancer in China still requires further strengthening of the health system for implementation. Considering the continual increase in the burden of liver cancer, it is imperative for future efforts to develop a comprehensive national liver cancer strategy.