In multivariable analysis, mortality was significantly associated with Child Pugh B (vs. Child Pugh A; HR: 2.362; 95% CI: 1.39-4.93), higher logarithm transformed AFP (HR: 1.42; 95% CI: 1.20-1.69) and lesion size in cm (HR: 2.95; 95% CI: 1.69-5.16).<h4>Conclusions</h4>Detection of HCC at a T1a stage conveys a survival advantage compared to T1b stage, underscoring a continued need for improvements in HCC surveillance efficacy. Here, AFP is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.