HEPATITIS-B VIRUS AND CIGARETTE-SMOKING - RISK-FACTORS FOR HEPATOCELLULAR-CARCINOMA IN HONG-KONG

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 42  (12) , 5246-5248
Abstract
Chinese patients (107) with primary hepatocellular carcinoma (PHC) were compared with 107 hospital controls for the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen and smoking, drinking and dietary habits. Of the PHC cases 82% were hepatitis B surface antigen positive compared to 18% of controls (relative risk, 21.3; 95% confidence limits, 10.1 and 45.9). Prior history of jaundice was significantly related to PHC, independent of hepatitis B surface antigen status. There was a significant association between cigarette smoking and PHC negative for hepatitis B surface antigen. The relative risk of hepatitis B surface antigen-negative PHC for heavy smokers (20+ cigarettes/day) was 3.3 compared to light smokers and nonsmokers (95% confidence limits, 1.0 and 13.4). Evidently, infection by the hepatitis B virus and cigarette smoking were independent risk factors for PHC.