Hepatitis B Vaccination and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Rates in Boys and Girls

Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurs mainly in adults 40 to 60 years of age.1 However, in areas hyperendemic for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, HCC may develop in children.2 We have found a nearly 100% hepatitis B surface antigen seropositivity rate in Taiwanese children with HCC, indicating an intimate relationship between HBV and childhood HCC.2 In 1984, a hepatitis B vaccination program was launched and has effectively reduced the prevalence of HBV infection, chronic HBV infection rate,3 and incidence of HCC in children in Taiwan.4

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