Availability of primary care physicians and hepatocellular carcinoma-related mortality in the United States

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth leading cause of cancer worldwide and majority cases are diagnosed at an intermediate or advanced stage. Per our analysis, greater availability of primary care physicians correlates with lower HCC-related mortality. Our results underscore the need for efforts to expand access to primary care among all populations, especially African Americans, to improve overall HCC-related outcomes.