Have you tested for Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver. Most infected individuals have no symptoms till late in the course of the disease. Hepatitis B affects an estimated 250 million people worldwide and results in about 800000 deaths every year. The prevalence of hepatitis B infection is 1-5% worldwide. Areas of high prevalence include Southeast Asia, China, Central Asia, Middle East and Africa. 12-20% of patients with chronic hepatitis B infection develop advanced liver disease or cirrhosis. Of these patients, 20% develop liver failure and 6-15% develop liver cancer. Once cirrhosis is established, the 5-year incidence of liver cancer is 10%. Hepatitis B is the most important cause of liver cancer worldwide. Test for hepatitis B and treat if positive. Hepatitis B can also be prevented by vaccination.
Prevent liver cancer.
