Health World News and Features

Many are still unaware of the high incidence of chronic hepatitis B and liver cancer in Asia. The World Health organization estimates that there are 400 million people with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, many of whom are not even aware of their health condition. Most hepatitis B carriers have no symptoms, but they can still transmit the infection and develop liver cancer.

These were among the concerns discussed during the 64th Educational Trans-Pacific Telemedicine Multi-site videoconference lecture, “Updates on the Research, prevention, and Treatment of Liver Cancer,” held recently at the MMC-Pfizer virtual library of Makati Medical Center (MMC).

Dr. Samuel So, director of the Asian Liver Center at Stanford University, was the resource speaker of the event held every last Friday of the month and participated in by doctors from Stanford University Hospital, Singapore General Hospital, the Chinese University in HongKong, and MMC.

Liver cancer is one of the leading cause of death in Asia-Pacific, and sub-Saharan Africa, and at least 80 percent of the liver cancer is caused by HBV. Most people from Asia, the Pacific Rim, and Africa were infected with the virus during childhood: from infected mother to child at birth, from child to child contact in household settings, and from reuse of non-sterilized needles and syringes in poor healthcare facilities.

“While hepatitis B can be transmitted by blood transfusions, sharing needles, and unprotected sex, most individuals become infected as infants or young children,” So explained. Frequently, transmission of the hepatitis B virus occurs during the birthing process when the virus is passed on from the mother-who is unaware that she is a carrier – or during early childhood through close physical contact with blood or bodily fluid of infected individuals, such as contact between open wounds or sharing contaminated toothbrushes. However, hepatitis B is not spread by contaminated food or water, as with other types of hepatitis.

The danger of hepatitis B lies in its silent transmission and progression. “Many chronic hepatitis B carriers have no symptoms and feel healthy. If the proper tests are not administered, carriers may even appear to exhibit normal blood tests for liver functions, granting them a deceptively clean bill of health,” So added.

Diagnosis of hepatitis B cannot be made unless the doctor orders a specific blood test that tests for the presence of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg), marker for chronic infection.

One out of four hepatitis B carriers die from liver cancer or cirrhosis. Some develop cancer as early as 30 years of age. “The greatest single health disparity. The campaign is an initiative to build awareness about hepatitis B and its deadly impact in an effort to reduce the incidence of chronic hepatitis B and liver cancer in this high-risk group.

“Since it is one of the largest health threats for Asians, it is important for all to be checked for hepatitis B and get vaccinated if not previously exposed. Also, chronic carriers need to take control of their own health, avoid drinking too much alcohol, learn about hepatitis B treatments available, and be regularly screened for liver cancer after a certain age.”

Manila Bulletin