Sources: http://www.kalbefarma.com/?mn=news&tipe=detail&detail=20297 By: NFA
Kalbe.co.id - According to new research, vaccination at birth against hepatitis B virus, greatly reducing the risk of liver cancer in adulthood. The findings are published in the Journal of National Cancer Institute 16 September 2009 online edition.
In a 20-year study that followed infants who were vaccinated against the liver disease in Taiwan beginning in 1984, when a universal vaccination program came into effect, Dr. Mei-Hwei Chang, of the Department of Pediatrics at National Taiwan University Hospital in Taipei, and colleagues looked at young people who have undergone liver cancer.
The researchers found that only a few people who have been vaccinated will have liver cancer, and there is a possible explanation in most cases, such as insufficient doses of the vaccine.
The authors conclude that these data suggest that the effectiveness of universal hepatitis B immunization program to prevent liver cancer, has gone beyond childhood and into young adulthood over the past two decades.
In the United States, hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all infants, children and adolescents if they have not been vaccinated previously. Officials recommend that adults get vaccinated if they are at risk of developing liver cancer. More info can visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.