Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, and HIV Infection Among Patients With Newly Diagnosed Cancer From Academic and Community Oncology Practices

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Abstract
Universal screening of patients with newly diagnosed cancer for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and HIV is not routine in oncology practice, and experts disagree about whether screening should be recommended. Several arguments favor universal screening. Although the US population prevalence rate of previous HBV is estimated to be 4.7%, of chronic HBV to be 0.3%, of HCV to be 1.3%, and of HIV infections to be 0.3%,1-5 population studies suggest that infections with these viruses are more prevalent among persons who are old enough to have higher rates of cancer.3,6 Patients with undiagnosed chronic HBV, HCV, and HIV infections pose transmission risks to family members and health care workers.7-9 In addition, with effective treatments available, not screening for these viruses misses an opportunity to reduce future morbidity associated with these infections and to avoid viral reactivation during treatment, with resulting morbidity and mortality.10 This may be a particular issue as more patients with cancer are treated with therapies that alter the immune system.

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