| Liver cancer refers to either primary liver cancer, that | | | | mothers were discovered to be carriers of hepatitis |
| is cancer originating from the liver cells or supporting | | | | B. This compares significantly to the incidence of 1% |
| cells in the liver, or secondary liver cancer, that is | | | | in the United States. Similar studies show a higher |
| cancer that has spread to the liver from the | | | | incidence of hepatitis B carrier rates in South-East |
| surrounding organs, usually via the blood that drains | | | | Asian countries, between 10% to 15%. This has led |
| those organs and flow through the liver. In this article | | | | to the belief that Oriental persons are genetically less |
| we shall confine ourselves to primary liver cancer, | | | | able to overcome the hepatitis B virus. This |
| also referred to as hepatocellular carcinoma. | | | | observation is supported by another observation, |
| Liver cancer is one of the more commonly occurring | | | | that the conversion rate to immunization with |
| cancers in the world, being the fifth most common | | | | hepatitis B vaccine is lower in Chinese as compared |
| cancer in men and the eighth most common cancer in | | | | with other races. |
| women. The total number of new cases diagnosed is | | | | Studies also show that the incidence of new cases |
| estimated to be about 500,000 every year. Men | | | | of primary liver cancer has decreased significantly in |
| seem to be twice as likely as women to get liver | | | | those countries where there has been a deliberate |
| cancer. | | | | effort to immunize persons to hepatitis B with |
| What could cause this problem? | | | | hepatitis B vaccine. This is one of the rare situations |
| The incidence of liver cancer seems to be higher in | | | | where there is a demonstrable cause/effect |
| certain countries. Studies appear to indicate a positive | | | | relationship, and where there is definite proof that a |
| relationship between the incidence of liver cancer and | | | | particular cancer can be prevented, by both |
| that of hepatitis B virus carrier states as well as | | | | vaccination and by screening of blood and blood |
| hepatitis C virus infections. The risk of a hepatitis B | | | | products for hepatitis B and C viruses. |
| carrier developing liver cancer is about 60 times | | | | Other risk factors or suspected causes of liver |
| higher than that of a non hepatitis B carrier. This risk | | | | cancer need to be mentioned here. They are: |
| appears to be even higher than the risk of a smoker | | | | Liver Cirrhosis. A situation of scarring of the liver due |
| developing lung cancer (about 20 to 25 times). | | | | to chronic damage as a result commonly of heavy |
| What countries have a higher incidence of hepatitis B | | | | drinking. There is a slight increase of risk of liver |
| carrier states? It is observed that certain countries | | | | cancer developing. |
| seem to have a much higher incidence of hepatitis B | | | | Inherited causes. Persons with hemochromatosis, a |
| carriers. One case in point is Taiwan, where it is | | | | genetic problem of excess iron deposits in the body |
| noted that an abnormally high 20% of pregnant | | | | have a higher chance of developing liver cancer. |