Hepatitis B, Cirrhosis, and Liver Cancer Oh my

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Hepatitis B, Cirrhosis, and Liver Cancer Oh my!
aka HBV and the Laotian Community
Anh Tan May 4, 2007 http//liver.stanford.edu
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What is hepatitis B?

• Infection of the liver

• Blood-borne virus

• Chronic (life-long) hepatitis B leads to
• - Liver cancer
• - Cirrhosis
• - Liver failure
• - Premature death

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A Global Epidemic

• 350-400 million people living with chronic
  infection (vs 47 million HIV infected people)
• Without monitoring, 1 in 4 of those chronically
  infected will die from liver cancer or liver
  failure
• Every 30 seconds, HBV takes a life (thats 1
  million lives a year)
• Yet hepatitis B is preventable with a vaccine!

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HBV is transmitted just like HIV

• 3 main modes of transmission
• Birth Mother-to-child
• Blood Direct contact with infected blood
• Sex Unprotected sex
• 100x more infectious than HIV

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Newborns are most vulnerable
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HBV is not transmitted through food or casual
contact
Sharing food or drinks
Shaking Hands
Kissing
Sneezing
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Who is most susceptible to HBV?
Ben
Jill
Chris
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Who is more likely to have HBV?
Ben
Jill
Chris
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Greatest Health Disparity between API and White
Americans

• 10 of Asian-Americans vs. lt0.1 of general U.S.
  population
• - 1.4 million people chronically infected in U.S.
• - More than half are Asian-American
• Liver cancer incidence is up to 9x higher for
  Asians

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Source California Cancer Facts Figures 2005,
American Cancer Society
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Liver Cancer one of the most deadly

• May develop in early 20s
• 6 12 month average survival time (after
  diagnosis)
• Treatment options are limited

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Trends in 5-Year Survival by Year of Diagnosis in
the U.S.
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A Silent Killer

• Few people know about HBV
• Many API were infected at birth or childhood
• No symptoms, dont know theyre infected

Mark Lim, MD (1969-2002)
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So what should you do?
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GET TESTED!!!

• Ask your doctor for these tests

• hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
• Tests if you are chronically infected

• hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs)
• Tests if you are protected from HBV

(these are not included in routine physical
examination blood tests)
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What if my tests are NEGATIVE?

• GET VACCINATED!

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3 for Life

• 3 shot vaccine series can protect you for life
• Safe and effective vaccine has been available for
  gt25 years
• WHO calls it the first anti-cancer vaccine

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What if I test POSITIVE for Hepatitis B?
Dont panic!
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What if I test POSITIVE for Hepatitis B?

• Get screened for liver damage and liver cancer

So this doesnt happen to you ?
Get the Hepatitis A vaccine Avoid drinking
alcohol
Some cases may need treatment
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Whether youre positive or negative
Protect your loved ones against HBV
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Bottom Line Hepatitis B is a public health
crisis with an easy solution!

• ? Get tested
• ? Get vaccinated
• ? Spread the word