Investigating liver cancer risk factors in Southern rural populations

Southern Liver Health Cohort

NIH-funded research North Carolina State University Raleigh · NIH-10928809

This study is looking at why liver cancer rates are rising, especially in Southern rural areas and among African Americans, by checking if certain harmful substances in the environment, like cadmium and arsenic, might be linked to this cancer, and it will follow participants over time to see how their health changes.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorth Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Raleigh, United States)
Project IDNIH-10928809 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the increasing rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of primary liver cancer, particularly in Southern rural states and among African American populations. The study aims to identify environmental contaminants, such as cadmium and arsenic, that may contribute to the development of HCC. By examining the relationship between these exposures and liver disease progression, the research seeks to uncover the underlying causes of regional and ethnic disparities in liver cancer incidence. Participants will be monitored over time to assess their health outcomes and potential risk factors.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include African American individuals over the age of 21 living in Southern rural areas who may be exposed to environmental contaminants.

Not a fit: Patients who do not reside in the targeted Southern rural regions or who are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies and targeted interventions for liver cancer in at-risk populations.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in identifying environmental risk factors for liver cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Raleigh, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.