Liver Cancer and Viral Hepatitis in the Philippines: What You Need to Know

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 13 January 2023

Viral Hep The ninth most frequent cancer in women and the fifth most common cancer in males both occur in the liver. There were roughly 840,000 new cases in 2018. According to the World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute for Cancer's Continuous Update Project Panel, the Philippines is ranked 23rd out of the Top 25 nations with the highest incidence of liver cancer in 2018. But the prevalence of liver cancer is rather high in the Philippines and other developing nations. According to a DOH guideline, liver cancer is the third most prevalent kind of cancer among Filipinos; it is the second most prevalent in males and the ninth most prevalent in women.

In the Philippines as well as the rest of the world, liver cancer is a serious public health issue. Nearly 800,000 people worldwide succumb to liver cancer each year, and more than half of these cases are brought on by infection with the Hepatitis B or C virus. It is the second major cause of cancer mortality and the fourth main cause of cancer in the Philippines. Hepatitis B virus infection accounts for more than half of all liver cancer cases in the Philippines. 10% of Filipinos have Hepatitis B, while 0.6% have Hepatitis C.

What is the relationship between liver cancer and hepatitis B or C? Inflammation and liver scarring are results of Hepatitis B or C virus infection. Cirrhosis, the most severe kind of scarring, can then result in the growth of liver cancer. The same treatment is used to treat liver cancer from various sources as well as liver cancer brought on by the Hepatitis B or C virus. However, many liver cancer cases in the Philippines are found in the late stages, when it is either impossible or ineffective to cure them. Therefore, preventing the onset of liver cancer and its consequences in people with Hepatitis B or C infection is a crucial component of the treatment of these individuals.

Because liver cancer is frequently detected relatively late in its progression, the prognosis or outlook is poor. The illness often doesn't show any symptoms until the tumor has grown to at least 10 cm in size, at which point it has typically spread and is in an advanced stage. The majority of liver cancer patients pass away within a year of their diagnosis, and the illness has a five-year survival rate of fewer than 5% (if no therapy is started). The five-year survival rate for liver cancer is about 35%, even with therapy.

Strong evidence supports the World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute for Cancer Research's conclusion that having a larger body mass index, drinking alcohol, and ingesting foods tainted with aflatoxins all raise the chance of developing liver cancer. They claim there is substantial proof that consuming coffee lowers the incidence of liver cancer. There is some data that suggests eating fish and staying physically active may reduce the risk of liver cancer.

Avoiding Hepatitis B or C infection is the single most crucial step in the prevention of liver cancer. There is a very effective vaccination for Hepatitis B. According to Republic Act 10152, all newborns must get the Hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of delivery. The Philhealth Newborn Care Package includes a free infant hepatitis B immunization offered by the Department of Health. Since there is no vaccination for hepatitis C, prevention of infection focuses on lowering the risk of exposure to the virus in medical facilities and among high-risk groups, including drug users.

ZDS DMO II Marie-Claire Gaas, RND

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