IFNA1 and hepatocellular carcinoma: Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).1, 2 HCC is a frequent consequence of HCV‐related cirrhosis, with an annual incidence of 1%‐8%.3 In addition, HCV infection may promote carcinogenesis; hence, its eradication will directly decrease the risk of developing HCC.4, 5 With the recent development of interferon (IFN)‐free direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAAs), high rates of sustained virological response (SVR) have been achieved in patients with chronic HCV infection.6, 7, 8