Family History Increases the Risk for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

As in previous studies involving Asian populations, this case-control study reported a two- to threefold increased risk for HCC associated with a family history of liver cancer.

Known risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) include infection with hepatitis viruses B or C, cirrhosis, advanced age, heavy alcohol use, smoking, and aflatoxin exposure. Family history of HCC has been described as a risk factor, but mostly in studies of Asian patients. Now, investigators explore this possible association in a case-control study of patients in Italy.

Participants included 229 hospitalized patients with HCC and 431 control patients who were hospitalized in the same catchment area for a wide spectrum of acute, non-neoplastic conditions. Cases of HCC were diagnosed using standard diagnostic criteria, with 78% histologically or cytologically confirmed. Blood samples and responses to a standardized questionnaire were obt…

Reviewing Author

Atif Zaman, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Atif Zaman, MD, MPH

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose