Is hepatitis b infection associated with liver cancer?

Yes: Yes. Patient with chronic hepatitis b will require screening for liver cancer at some point. Current recommendations are starting at age 20 for african born individuals and age 40 for Asian born individuals. However, patients prior to these ages can develop cancer. High HBV viral loads are associated with increased risk of cancer. As always develop a screening plan with your liver doctor.

Yes: Liver cancer is the most common cancer in asia because almost 25% of the Asian population has hepatitis b. Many patients acquire hepatitis b from their mothers and can develop liver cancer as early as mid 20s.

Yes: Unlike most viral hepatitides, hepatitis b is associated with liver cancer regardless of the presence of cirrhosis. Therefore, blood test (i.e. Alpha-fetoprotein) and imaging study (i.E abdominal ultrasound) are recommended every 6 months beginning at the age of 40.