— Christine M. Kukka, Project Manager, HBV Advocate
Researchers writing in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention,
examined the five leading causes of preventable liver cancer in China
and found hepatitis B leads the list, causing 66% of liver cancer
deaths in men and 58% in women.
Their data, pulled from the 3rd
National Death Causes Survey of 2005, found hepatitis B caused most
liver cancer deaths, followed by:
- Hepatitis C
- Aflatoxin, a poisonous fungus found in soil and decaying matter that can contaminate rice, corn and other grains
- Alcohol abuse, which affected men more than women
- And smoking
Overall, 86% of liver cancer
deaths were attributable to these five factors. “Our findings provide
useful data for developing guidelines for liver cancer prevention and
control in China and other developing countries,” researchers wrote.
HBV Journal Review: February 1, 2014, Vol 11, no 2Labels: China, mortality statistics
