Two of the world’s leading causes of liver cancer are viruses we can test for, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
What happened
In the 1960s, Dr Baruch Blumberg discovered the hepatitis B virus (HBV), work that earned the 1976 Nobel Prize and led to a vaccine. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) remained a mystery “non-A, non-B” hepatitis until it was identified in 1989; that discovery was recognised with the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (Alter, Houghton and Rice).
Why it mattered
Long-term (chronic) infection with HBV or HCV can quietly damage the liver for years, leading to cirrhosis and, in some people, liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), often with few early symptoms. Finding the virus makes it possible to monitor the liver, start treatment, and reduce spread. Modern antiviral medicines can now control HBV and cure most HCV infections.
Key points
- Chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C are among the leading causes of liver cancer worldwide
- Both infections can persist for years with few or no symptoms
- Molecular testing can detect the virus and, where needed, measure how much is present
- Early detection supports monitoring, treatment, and reducing onward transmission
How this connects to our testing
This lab offers molecular testing for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). See the Test List, or contact the lab to discuss sample requirements. Pricing is shared on enquiry.
Sources
Blumberg BS: discovery of the hepatitis B virus; Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 1976. · Alter HJ, Houghton M, Rice CM: discovery of the hepatitis C virus; Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 2020. · World Health Organization: hepatitis B and hepatitis C fact sheets and their link to liver cancer.