What is Hepatitis?

 

Hepatitis refers to liver inflammation caused by infections, immune reactions, medications, and other factors. Common symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and aversion to oily foods. Most cases of hepatitis are viral in origin, which means they can be contagious. With timely and effective treatment, many hepatitis patients can control the disease, although severe cases may lead to serious complications or even death.

 

The Hepatitis-Cirrhosis-Liver Cancer “Trilogy”

 

Liver cancer, highly associated with hepatitis in China, is known as the “silent killer” due to its aggressive nature and lack of early symptoms. According to the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), liver cancer ranks fourth in new cancer cases in China, with 410,000 new cases in 2020, and second in cancer-related deaths, claiming 390,000 lives.

 

The progression from hepatitis to cirrhosis is marked by the continuous death of healthy liver cells in the battle between viral infection and immune responses. This process leads to the proliferation of fibrous tissue and the accumulation of collagen fibers, forming diffuse fibrotic growths throughout the liver. As fibrous tissue replaces healthy liver tissue, the liver becomes hardened and shrunken, resulting in cirrhosis.

 

Cirrhosis impairs liver function, affecting not only metabolism but also coagulation, immunity, detoxification, and regulation processes essential to health. As cirrhosis advances, these functions deteriorate, eventually increasing the risk of liver cancer.

 

How to Prevent Liver Cancer

 

1. Vaccination

   Vaccination against hepatitis B is the most effective and affordable method of preventing hepatitis B virus infection, which is a major risk factor for liver cancer. China included hepatitis B vaccination in its national immunization program in 1992, significantly reducing infection rates and thereby decreasing liver cancer risk.

 

2. Antiviral Therapy  

   For those with hepatitis B or C, the goal of treatment is to suppress or eliminate the virus to minimize liver damage and prevent progression to cirrhosis or liver cancer. Antiviral therapies, including nucleos(t)ide analogs or interferon, have proven effective in reducing the risk of liver cancer over time.

 

3. Healthy Diet 

   To protect liver health, reduce food storage time, keep food dry, and avoid the mold growth associated with aflatoxin, a potent carcinogen. Use non-wood kitchen utensils and practice safe food storage. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle by limiting alcohol and tobacco, keeping a healthy weight, and following a plant-based diet are recommended. Avoid contact with carcinogenic chemicals whenever possible.

 

4. Early Screening

   Early detection is critical for effective treatment. High-risk individuals should undergo regular liver cancer screenings. High-risk groups in China include people with hepatitis B or C infection, heavy alcohol use, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, long-term exposure to aflatoxin-contaminated foods, cirrhosis, or a family history of liver cancer. Screening is especially recommended for men over the age of 40.

 

By following these preventive measures, individuals can reduce their risk of liver cancer and safeguard their liver health, breaking the progression from hepatitis to liver cancer.