🔍 According to the World Health Organization (WHO), viral hepatitis infection is the most common risk factor for liver cancer. While chronic viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis B and C can lead to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) —the most prevalent form of liver cancer which accounts for 80% of all liver cancer cases, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reports that liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths, globally.
DID YOU KNOW?
💡Common in the Africa region, Hepatitis B leads to at least 56% of all liver cancer cases.
💡 People living with Hepatitis C have a 34% greater risk of developing liver cancer than those uninfected – some people are still at risk of developing liver cancer even if they have been cured of hepatitis C.
💡People living with Hepatitis D are at greater risk of developing liver cancer than those only living with Hepatitis B.
💡Hepatitis B and C cause liver cancer at the same rate as someone who actively smokes one pack of cigarettes per day.
💡The Hepatitis B vaccine was the first vaccination to prevent cancer.
HEPATITIS ELIMINATION PREVENT LIVER CANCER
💉 Increased vaccination, screening and treatment for hepatitis B can prevent the disease from progressing to liver cancer.
💊Hepatitis C treatment prevents long-term liver damage, reducing the risk of developing liver cancer.
🔬 Ongoing monitoring of individuals living with #ViralHepatitis for liver cancer and other liver diseases can lead to early testing and treatment.
IT’S TIME FOR ACTION!
With this year’s theme, we are;
- UNITED TO UNIQUE Access to affordable and accessible treatment and ongoing monitoring for liver cancer and other liver diseases.
- UNITED TO UNIQUE Hepatitis vaccination, testing, treatment and care should be integrated into national cancer prevention and control strategies and programmes.