Did you know that the most common risk factor for liver cancer is chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV)? These infections lead to cirrhosis of the liver or late stage scarring, and liver cancer – the most common cancer in many parts of the world.
According to World Health Organization, viral hepatitis B and C infections lead to an estimated 1.34 million deaths every year. Most of these deaths are caused by untreated chronic hepatitis infections resulting in cirrhosis and liver cancer. In the Philippines, around 1 in 10 people have chronic hepatitis B, and 6 in 1,000 have chronic hepatitis C.
Viral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by virus but can be prevented and treated. Vaccine for Hepatitis B is available and is highly effective. It is important for newborn babies to be vaccinated within the 24 hours of birth and completed the two more doses within 6 to 9 months.
Furthermore, people with HBV can be treated with medicines to stop the disease from progressing and reduce the risk of developing into liver cancer. While people with hepatitis C can now be cured within three months by taking new oral medicines called direct acting antivirals.
Aside from the viral hepatitis, several factors including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, heavy alcohol use, tobacco use, and obesity increase the risk of liver cancer. Thus, a healthy diet and healthy lifestyle are recommended as well to prevent liver cancer.
This January, we observe the Liver Cancer and Viral Hepatitis Awareness and Prevention Month with the theme: “Malusog na atay, masayang buhay!” The observance every year is mandated by Republic Act No. 10526 which ensures the meaningful observance through a comprehensive public education and awareness program on the causes, transmission, consequences, diagnoses, treatments, and the prevention of viral hepatitis. (BLVMEstrella)
Sources:
https://www.who.int/hepatitis/news-events/hepatitis-surveillance-protocol-story/en/
https://www.who.int/philippines/news/commentaries/detail/ph-must-act-to-eliminate-hepatitis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28893941/
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/liver-cancer.html
