Etiological variations in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) exist across different geographic areas. To gain better control of HCC, we retrospectively studied the secular trends and geographic variations in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related and hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related HCCs in Taiwan. A total of 18,423 HCC cases enrolled in 8 medical centers from 1981 to 2001 were reviewed. Overall, 67% of male HCC in Taiwan was related to HBV infection whereas 55.2% of female HCC in Taiwan was related to HCV infection. The mean age of patients with HBV-related HCC was 53.2 6 13.6 years, while the mean age of patients with HCV-related HCC was 65.1 6 9.1 years (p < 0.001). The male/female ratio was 6.4 for HBV-related HCC, while it was 1.7 for the HCV-related HCC (p < 0.001). The percentage of HBV-related HCC progressively decreased from 81.5 to 66.2% in males, and from 66.7 to 41.4% in females over the study period. Our study demonstrates that the percentage of HBV-related HCC has progressively decreased over the last 20 years. The relative decrease in HBV-related HCC was not due to a decrease in HBV-related HCC death. Instead, it was caused by an increase in HCV-related HCC. Prevention of new HCV infection and the treatment of chronic hepatitis C should be the primary goals, which will result in better control of HCC in the future, even in an HBV-endemic area like Taiwan. ' 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.Key words: hepatocellular carcinoma; hepatitis B virus; hepatitis C virus; secular trend; geographic variation; Taiwan Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies in the world, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. Since 1984, it has been the leading cause of cancer death in Taiwan, 1 accounting for approximately 7,000 death annually. In addition, around 8,000 new HCC cases are diagnosed each year. 2 High-risk groups for HCC include patients chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV), liver cirrhosis patients, and people with a family history of HCC. Chronic HBV and HCV infections are the 2 major etiologies of HCC in Taiwan. 3 About 15-20% of the general population in Taiwan are chronic carriers of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). 4 HBV carriers have a 20-to 98-fold increased risk of HCC, 5,6 especially among the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive group. 7 A recent prospective study has further confirmed that positivity for HBeAg is associated with an increased risk of HCC. 8 To combat HBV infection in Taiwan, a mass immunization program has been launched on July 1, 1984, aiming first at the prevention of perinatal mother-to-infant, chronic HBV infection. 9 This nationwide vaccination program has markedly decreased the HBV carrier rate 10 and childhood HBVrelated HCCs (B-HCCs). 11 An 80-85% decrease in HCC among Taiwanese adults up to 3-4 decades later is anticipated. 12 The prevalence of anti-HCV antibody (anti-HCV) is 2-4% among the general population of Taiwan, 13 while it ranges from 0.95 to 2.2% in Taiwanese blood donors. 13,14 The anti-HCV prevalen...

Based on an analysis of 1509 patients with HCC in Taiwan, immunization of infants against HBV reduces their risk of developing HCC as children and young adults. Improving HBV vaccination strategies and overcoming risk factors could reduce the incidence of liver cancer.

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