In the United States, individuals of Asian and Pacific Islander descent have the highest rates of liver cancer, followed by American Indians/Alaska Natives and Hispanic/Latino populations, African Americans, and Caucasian Americans.
Liver cancer is more common in men than in women regardless of race or ethnicity. Male gender increases the risk of liver cancer if liver disease is already present. This may be because men more frequently engage in behaviors such as heavy alcohol and tobacco use, which are risk factors for liver cancer.
Liver cancer can strike at any age, but it mainly occurs among older adults. Young adults who are chronically infected with hepatitis B or C and have a family history of liver cancer are at increased risk. Although liver cancer is rare in children, it can occur.