Hepatocellular carcinoma takes a long time to form, and there are no studies to indicate how long it takes to form. Hepatocellular carcinoma formation needs often requires a long process, and most domestic hepatocellular carcinomas are associated with viral hepatitis. There is usually a progression process of chronic viral hepatitis-hepatic fibrosis-cirrhosis-hepatocellular carcinoma, so it takes a long time to progress. However, there is no study to illustrate the progression process, and patients with hepatitis and cirrhosis do not necessarily develop hepatocellular carcinoma. There are no studies on the time from the onset and progression of liver cancer to its detection, and most patients are treated aggressively at the time of diagnosis. The etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma is not completely clear. Chronic hepatitis B and cirrhosis are important causes of its development, and most patients with hepatocellular carcinoma will go through the above two stages of the disease process. Aflatoxin, smoking, alcoholism, heredity and micronutrient deficiency may be important risk factors for liver cancer. In China, the high-risk groups of liver cancer mainly include people with hepatitis B virus and/or hepatitis C virus infection, excessive alcohol consumption, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, cirrhosis caused by other reasons, and people with family history of liver cancer, especially males aged 40 years old. If any of the above abnormalities occur or liver cancer is suspected, it is recommended to go to a regular hospital to evaluate the condition and follow the doctor’s instructions for treatment to avoid delaying the condition.