The C3 team is involved in both prospective and retrospective research that aims to fill gaps in our understanding of the link between infection and cancer, and how we can best prevent these cancers from occurring.
Infectious diseases are an important cause of cancer. More than two-thirds of all stomach cancers are attributable to Helicobacter pylori infection, with this bacterium responsible for 90% of non-cardia stomach cancers – the most common form of stomach cancer diagnosed among Māori.
Nearly 40% of all liver cancers worldwide are attributable to the hepatitis B or C virus, and 70% of Māori liver cancer patients will have a history of hepatitis B or C infection suggesting a much higher attributable fraction for Māori than the international average.
H. pylori prevalence study
This study looks at how common Helicobacter pylori is in NZ in order to improve stomach cancer prevention measures.
H. pylori is a bacteria that many people have in their stomach. In a small number of people, it can cause stomach problems such as inflammation and ulcers. Over a long time this can increase the risk of stomach cancer. H. pylori is easy to treat, and antibiotics are effective for most people. This study investigates whether having the infection overlaps with other risk factors for stomach cancer.
Hepatitis and liver cancer
Māori remain substantially more likely to be diagnosed with liver cancer than non-Māori, and less likely to survive once diagnosed.
In 2021-2022, C3 team members Sydney Clough and Tara Cleverley co-led a review of liver cancer control with a focus on hepatitis and liver cancer prevention.
The Past, Present and Future of Liver Cancer Control for Māori
"Chronic Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus infections are by far the most frequent cause of hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC ), accounting for about 80% globally. As such, the most important of the risk factors for HCC by a substantial margin, in terms of both absolute disease burden and as a driver of inequity for Māori, are the Hep-B and Hep-C viruses."
Professor Jason Gurney