NSW hbv and liver cancer pilot program: an update on the 'b poSitive' project

The 'B Positive' Project, sponsored by Cancer Council NSW, aims to facilitate the earlier detection and optimised management of chronic hepatitis B and hepatocellular cancer. The pilot project in Sydney's south-west is based on evidence indicating the clustering of hepatocellular cancer cases in NSW, along geographical and ethnic lines. This provides opportunities for devising targeted public health interventions that can bring about significant reductions in the future burden of liver cancer. The project will test the feasibility, acceptability, and cost-effectiveness of hepatitis B screening and surveillance in individuals with chronic hepatitis B infection and aims to determine what role targeted screening and surveillance may have in preventing the development of liver cancer. This paper outlines the key features of this project, highlighting the development and implementation of the 'B Positive' Project in Sydney's south-west since mid-2007 to early 2009.