Sofi Dhanaraj
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, UK
Title: Hepatocellular carcinoma in immigrant population: Impact of viral status
Biography
Biography: Sofi Dhanaraj
Abstract
The incidence and mortality rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been rising in the United Kingdom over the last 30 years. The aim of this research was to study the frequencies of chronic hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV) infection and their associations with HCC in immigrant populations. We also aimed to compare the results with the native UK population. The research data was largely collected prospectively for studies on the serological diagnosis of HCC on all immigrants and native UK patients with HCC who were seen at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, UK, between 2007 and 2012. Additional relevant data was collected retrospectively. 17% of HCC cases in the UK arose among immigrants and there was a notable difference in the primary aetiology between the natives UK and immigrants. HBV and HCV-related diseases were the main cause of HCC in immigrants (accounting for 92% of immigrant but only 27% of native cases) and there was a significant difference in the median survival between the two groups (median survival=15.461 and 22.599 months respectively). Immigrant populations may be at increased risk of HCC because of their viral status, there is a need for recognition that this risk group should be screened for HBV and HCV infection so that early diagnosis and appropriate HCC screening may enhance early detection of HCC and result in better survival.