| Theme | Non-B, Non-C Hepatocellular Carcinoma : The Latest Findings | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Trends in Incidence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Japan | |
| Publish Date | 2012/05 | |
| Author | Hideo Tanaka | Division of Epidemiology and Prevention, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute |
| [ Summary ] | Approximately 75 % and 20 % of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases are caused by persistent infection with the hepatitis C or B virus (HCV or HBV), respectively. A striking downward trend in HCC cases occurred after the years of peak mortality in the following age ranges 55-59 (1990), 60-64 (1995), 65-69 (1998), 70-74 (2003) and 75-79 (2008). These trends are reflected from birth cohort effect on the prevalence of HCV infection in the general population. Japan introduced a selective HBV vaccination program for high-risk infants in 1986. The program successfully decreased the incidence of HBV-related HCC in childhood 15 years after initation of the program. Further studies of descriptive epidemiology are needed to assess the efficacy of standard treatments on chronic viral hepatitis in achieving reductions of the incidence of HCC in Japan. | |