Hepatitis B carriers in Taiwan and Hong Kong confront cancer risk and insurance hurdles

In Taiwan, liver cancer kills about 7,000 people each year, with chronic hepatitis B and C infections identified as major risk factors. A 63‑year‑old woman in Taipei was diagnosed with early‑stage liver cancer during a routine health check at Tzu Chi Hospital; she received ultrasound‑guided radiofrequency ablation and is now under follow‑up. Health officials emphasize regular screening for hepatitis B carriers, offering a free one‑time test for residents aged 45‑79 to catch tumors while they are still small enough for curative treatment.

In Hong Kong, roughly 5.6% of the population (about 410,000 people) are hepatitis B carriers, and 2.4% of pregnant women are infected. Chronic carriers face a 15‑40% lifetime risk of cirrhosis or liver cancer. Insurance companies assess applications individually: carriers without symptoms and with normal test results are often accepted for life insurance at standard rates, but critical‑illness and medical policies may carry extra premiums or exclusions. Gender differences can affect underwriting, and full disclosure of hepatitis B status is required to avoid claim denial.