Scientists continue to investigate reports that chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C infections may increase a patient's risk of pancreatic cancer.
Chinese researchers evaluated 10 studies that compared pancreatic cancer rates in people with current or resolved hepatitis B infections and those with current hepatitis C infections.
According to their report published in the December 2013 issue of the journal Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases International, Hepatitis B and C infection significantly increased risk of pancreatic cancer by more than 20%.
Meanwhile, the presence of the hepatitis B surface antibody (indicating immunization or a resolved infection) was linked to a decreased risk of pancreatic cancer.
