ALB and hepatocellular carcinoma: In addition, the following were identified as independent risk factors for HCC: age (≥40 years) (adjusted HR, 3.185; 95% CI, 1.437–7.057; p = 0.004), elevated AFP (adjusted HR, 2.488; 95% CI, 1.211–5.113; p = 0.013), and ALB levels (adjusted HR, 0.927; 95% CI, 0.861–0.997; p = 0.041).