title: Hepatitis B virus and cigarette smoking: risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma in Hong Kong.
abstract: One hundred seven Chinese patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma (PHC) were compared with 107 hospital controls for the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen and smoking, drinking, and dietary habits. Eighty-two % of PHC cases were hepatitis B surface antigen positive compared to 18% of controls (relative risk, 21.3; 95% confidence limits, 10.1 and 45.9). Prior history of jaundice was significantly related to PHC, independent of hepatitis B surface antigen status. There was a significant association between cigarette smoking and PHC negative for hepatitis B surface antigen. The relative risk of hepatitis B surface antigen-negative PHC for heavy smokers (20 + cigarettes/day) was 3.3 compared to light smokers and nonsmokers (95% confidence limits, 1.0 and 13.4). Our data indicated that infection by the hepatitis B virus and cigarette smoking were independent risk factors for PHC.
mesh_terms: D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000276:immunology; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D008297:Male; D012306:Risk; D012907:Smoking
chemical_list: D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens