Hepatitis B and Liver Cancer

 

What is Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a virus in the blood that infects the liver. It can cause liver damage, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), cancer, and death. Without monitoring or treatment, 1 in 4 of those chronically infected will die from liver cancer or liver failure.

What does the liver do?
Liver acts like a filter. Liver detoxifies substances that are harmful to the body and converts food into nutrients. It also processes the medications we take.

Why should I care?
Hepatitis B: 1.4 million people in U.S. are chronically infected with Hepatitis B and over 60% are Asian-Americans. 100 out of 1000 Asian Americans has chronic hepatitis B while only 1 out of 1000 Caucasians has chronic hepatitis B. 1 in 12 Korean Americans has Hepatitis B. 1 in 10 Chinese Americans has Hepatitis B. 1 in 8 Vietnamese Americans has Hepatitis B.

Liver Cancer: Asian Americans have the highest liver cancer incidence and mortality rates of all ethnic groups in the U.S. Liver cancer is one of the top 5 most commonly diagnosed cancers for Asian American males (SEER): Top 4 for Chinese and Korean males and Top 2 for Vietnamese males.

How do people get infected? (Transmission Modes)
Hepatitis B virus is transmitted by

1)Birth: Mother-to-child during delivery. 90% of newborns infected at birth become chronically infected and this is the most common route for Asians.
2)Bloodborne infection by sharing razors, toothbrushes, needles. It is also sexually transmitted.

However, you will NOT get hepatitis B by

1)Sharing food, water or chopsticks
2)Coughing or sneezing
3)Eating food prepared by an infected individual

How do I know if I have hepatitis B?
The only way to know is to get a Hepatitis B screening, which is a simple blood test. This is not the same as liver function test. To get Hepatitis B screening, ask your doctor and request one. This will test for antigen and antibody.

Hepatitis B Screening
There will be three cases as the Hepatitis B screening results:

1)Antigen Positive(+)
You are infected with Hepatitis B and you can spread the virus to other people. You should consult with a medical doctor for the proper treatment. 

2)Antigen Negative(-) and Antibody Positive(+)
You are not infected with Hepatitis B and protected from Hepatitis B infection, so you do not need any further action.

3)Antibody Negative(-) and Antibody Negative(-)
You are not infected with Hepatitis B, but you are not protected from Hepatitis B infection, either. You must get the vaccination as soon as possible.

Hepatitis B vaccination
You should get three serial shots within six months. Ask your doctor for the vaccination.


Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

  1. • Asian American Liver Cancer Education Program (2008-2012)


  1. • Korean American Breast/Cervical Cancer Program (1999-2003)


  1. • Asian Indian Breast Cancer Program (2003-2005)


  1. • Educational Materials






*Find more information on: Liver Cancer/Hepatitis B

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Cervical Cancer