Home > Review Articles > Incidence and management of hepatocellular carcinoma among Māori and non-Māori New Zealanders

Incidence and management of hepatocellular carcinoma among Māori and non-Māori New Zealanders

Making Education Easy

From Māori Health Review Issue 48
Authors:
  • Chamberlain J et al.
Summary:

To examine time trends and ethnic disparities in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence, risk factors, comorbidity and treatment pathways, data from Jan 1 2006 to Dec 31 2008 were analysed and identified 97 Māori and 92 non-Māori patients with HCC for hospital note review. Time trends were determined from NZ population (1981–2004) cohorts linked probabilistically to cancer registry records. The incidence of liver cancer was higher in Māori across all time periods. In comparison with non-Māori, Māori males had almost a 5-fold higher rate of liver cancer (RR 4.79; 95% CI 4.14-5.54), while Māori females had a 3-fold higher rate (RR 3.02; 95% CI 2.33-3.92). Tumour characteristics and treatment of Māori and non-Māori patients with HCC did not differ. Hypertension was more common in Māori (51% vs 25%) while cirrhosis was more common in non-Māori (62% vs 41%). Hepatitis B prevalence in Māori patients was double that of non-Māori (56% vs 27%), while the HR for cancer-specific death was 1.36 (95% CI 0.96-1.92) for Māori versus non-Māori.

Comment:
This is a timely reminder that hepatitis B, and resultant liver cancer, continue to be major health issues for Māori.
Reference: Aust N Z J Public Health 2013;37(6):520-26
Abstract
Download Article
Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.

Related Articles

View All Reviews

Explore Māori Health Reviews

Dive into our publications and videos content from over 50 areas of medicine including Cardiology, Diabetes, Oncology, Haematology and Psychiatry. 

Reviews

It looks like you are closest to our Australia site.

Australia
Australia
Stay on this site
Find Reviews in Your Clinical Area
Please select your country of practice.
New Zealand
Australia
Terms and Conditions

Website terms of use 

By using our website, you agree to follow these terms and conditions. 

 

Privacy policy 

We take your privacy seriously. To understand how we collect, use, and protect your information, please read our Privacy Policy, which is part of these terms. 

 

Copyright and use of website content 

The content of our website is protected by copyright, trademarks, and other legal rights. You can: view, download, or print a single copy of content for your personal or professional use. 

You cannot:  copy, modify, or distribute website content, or use our website content for commercial purposes or in other works without permission. 

 

Links to third-party websites 

The Research Review website may link to third-party websites for your convenience. However: 

We do not endorse or approve their products, services, or actions. 

We are not responsible for their content or how they operate. 

There is no formal partnership between us and third parties unless we clearly state otherwise. 

 

Disclaimer and limitation of liability 

We do our best to keep the information on our website accurate, but we do not guarantee that it is always correct or up to date. 

To the fullest extent allowed by law, we are not responsible for: 

Any loss, damage, or costs you may suffer from using (or being unable to use) our website. 

Any decisions you make based on the information provided. 

Any business losses, such as lost profits, lost data, or business interruptions. 

 

Governing law 

These terms are governed by New Zealand law. If there is a dispute, it must be resolved in a New Zealand court.