Global Burden of Aflatoxin-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Risk Assessment

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), or liver cancer, is the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, with prevalence 16-32 times higher in developing countries than in developed countries. Aflatoxin, a contaminant produced by the fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus in maize and nuts, is a known human liver carcinogen.

We sought to determine the global burden of HCC attributable to aflatoxin exposure.