Abstract: Objective To analyze the incidence and mortality of liver cancer and survival situation among permanent residents in Yangpu District of Shanghai from January 2002 to December 2012, and compare these data with the statistics obtained from Qidong City of Jiangsu Province. Methods The data on liver cancer among permanent residents in Yangpu District were collected from the database of cancer registration and management system in Shanghai. The temporal trend in the incidence and mortality of liver cancer was assessed and compared with the related statistical data from Qidong City of Jiangsu Province. Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank test was performed for survival analysis. Results A total of 3 389 cases of liver cancer were diagnosed from January 2002 to December 2012. The standardized incidence rate was 15.70/10⁵ in males, significantly higher than 5.45/10⁵ in females (P<0.05). A total of 3 026 cases died of liver cancer during this period. The standardized mortality rate was 13.38/10⁵ in males and 4.66/10⁵ in females (P<0.05). The median survival time was 0.41 years in total, 1.40 years in those who received surgery, significantly higher than 0.35 years in those without surgery (P<0.05). The ratios between Yangpu District and Qidong City were around 1:3 in both incidence and mortality rates, and about 2:1 in survival rate. Conclusion The mortality of liver cancer close to its incidence among permanent residents in Yangpu District of Shanghai during 2002-2012. Both the incidence and mortality of liver cancer were significantly higher in males than in females. Surgical resection significantly prolongs overall survival time and improves prognosis. Early diagnosis and prompt surgical resection can improve the overall survival rate of liver cancer patients. HBV infection may be the major risk factor of liver cancer in Yangpu District, while liver cancer in Qidong City is likely to be caused by the interaction among many factors including HBV infection, exposure to aflatoxin, genetic factors, drinking water pollution, and lack of microelement.