Abstract

Background: In 2016, the World Health Organization established the goal of eliminating hepatitis C worldwide by 2030. HCV screening has not been implemented at the national level in Estonia. Early detection and treatment of the disease can limit its spread and prevent serious late complications.
Goals: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hepatitis C virus among women aged 50–69, evaluate any possible connection between anti-HCV Ab and positive mammography findings, and describe the primary routes of HCV infection in this age group.
Methodology: Women aged 50–69 who had applied for breast cancer screening were offered the opportunity to participate in this study. Each participant completed a risk questionnaire and underwent a rapid fingerstick blood test for anti-HCV Ab. If the result was positive, a qualitative HCV RNA test was conducted. Patients with a positive RNA result were provided with the contact information of the responsible investigator, who gave further instructions.
Results: Of the 4,495 women who participated in the study, 0.4% (n=18) tested positive for anti-HCV Ab, and 0.07% (n=3) tested positive for HCV RNA. The relative risk of the presence of anti HCV Ab was higher in subjects who had received hemodialysis, had a blood transfusion before 1994, and exhibited elevated liver function indicators. There were 115 mammography findings that needed additional observation, none of these patients had tested positive for anti-HCV Ab.

Conclusions: Among women aged 50–69 who underwent breast cancer screening in the mobile testing laboratory, the prevalence of anti-HCV Ab was lower than in the general population. The study found no association between the presence of anti-HCV Ab and positive mammography findings. The primary possible route of HCV infection among women over 50 was a blood transfusion before 1994. Integrating HCV and other infectious disease screening programs with mobile health services could significantly increase audience participation. Conducting similar studies in regions with a high HCV prevalence would enable drawing conclusions about the associations between HCV and various forms of cancer.