American Cancer Society Endorses Hepatitis B 'Catch-up' Immunization for Children.(Brief Article)

2001 MAY 16 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) --

Citing hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) as the most significant risk factor for later development of liver cancer, the American Cancer Society has endorsed greater efforts to foster immunization against this virus of all children, from birth to age 18.

"Preventing liver cancer with a vaccine against the virus that may cause it is a powerful and necessary tactic," said Dileep G. Bal, MD, MS, MPH, national president of the American Cancer Society. "The hepatitis B vaccine is the first effective cancer prevention vaccine and we are committed to increase public awareness and use of this proven anti-cancer weapon," he said.

"The burden of hepatitis B infection and liver cancer is significantly greater in Asian and Pacific Islanders than in whites in the United States. In fact, liver cancer is the third most common cause of cancer deaths among Asians and Pacific Islanders. This compares in rank order to breast cancer among whites. This disparity prompts us to also vigorously support efforts to prevent liver cancer, especially among Asians and Pacific Islanders," said Moon S. Chen, Jr., PhD, MPH, a member of the American Cancer Society's national board of directors.

About 5,000 people in the United States die each year from liver failure caused by HBV infection, including 1,500 who die of liver cancer. ...