Awareness Call on World Hepatitis Day

28 July is World Hepatitis Day. To draw attention to viral hepatitis, one of the most fundamental health problems, and to raise awareness, 28 July is observed annually as World Hepatitis Day. The World Health Organization's "Global Hepatitis Strategy," which includes targets for eliminating Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, aims to change the lives of over 300 million people by 2030. Prof. Dr. Binnur Şimşek, Gastroenterology Specialist at Liv Hospital, explained frequently asked questions about hepatitis.

Can lead to liver cancer

Today, 300 million people worldwide carry hepatitis B, and nearly 100 million carry hepatitis C. In our country, we know that approximately 3 million people carry hepatitis B and 500,000 to 700,000 carry hepatitis C. Both diseases are transmitted primarily through blood, and if not recognized and treated, can lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, resulting in death.

How is it treated?

Particularly hepatitis B and hepatitis C strains cause chronic infection, leading to serious complications such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer, and death. Seventy percent of liver cancers worldwide result from these two viruses. Additionally, hepatitis A, D, and E viruses are other viruses that can damage the liver. Of these, hepatitis A and E generally do not develop into chronic hepatitis, whereas hepatitis D occurs only in people who carry hepatitis B and rapidly leads to the development of liver cirrhosis and cancer. With current treatment regimens known as antiviral drugs, the success rate in hepatitis C treatment is very high today, and cure is possible. For hepatitis B, there are effective and safe long-term treatment methods available. The important point is that the person knows they carry this virus and seeks timely treatment from a physician (before permanent damage or cancer develops in the liver). Protection from hepatitis through vaccination must be ensured. Vaccines for hepatitis B and hepatitis A exist that provide protection at nearly 100 percent effectiveness, and must be administered to all individuals.