Strengthening the Fight Against Liver Cancer and Viral Hepatitis in the Philippines
Liver cancer, often linked to Hepatitis B and C, is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the Philippines. In response to this growing public health threat, the government enacted Republic Act No. 10526 in 2012, declaring January as Liver Cancer and Viral Hepatitis Awareness and Prevention Month. This act aims to broaden public understanding, promote prevention, and encourage early detection of liver cancer and viral hepatitis. This year’s awareness campaign is anchored on the theme “Malusog na Atay, Masayang Buhay,” reminding Filipinos that a healthy liver is essential to overall well-being, productivity, and quality of life.
Understanding Liver Cancer and Viral Hepatitis
The liver works quietly every day to keep your body running smoothly. It helps digest food, filters toxins from the blood, stores energy, and supports many vital body functions. Because the liver does so much behind the scenes, it’s easy to overlook until something goes wrong. Taking care of your liver is essential to maintaining long-term health and overall well-being.
Liver cancer and viral hepatitis can seriously affect liver function, often without causing noticeable symptoms at first. Infections such as Hepatitis B and C may slowly damage the liver over time, increasing the risk of serious complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer. Learning how these conditions develop, how they spread, and how they can be detected early empowers individuals to take proactive measures and protect their liver.
Hepatitis remains a serious health issue in the Philippines. Many Filipinos with hepatitis are unaware they are infected, often because symptoms don’t show up right away. By the time signs appear, the liver may already be badly affected. This is why hepatitis is often called a “silent” disease.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are five main types of viral hepatitis, but the most common are Hepatitis A, B, and C. Some types are acute (short-term), while others become chronic (long-term) and can slowly damage the liver if left untreated.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
The infection spreads mainly through contact with infected blood or body fluids. Because symptoms may not appear immediately, a person can have viral hepatitis and pass it on without knowing it. When symptoms do develop, common signs include:
- Constant tiredness or weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Fever
- Stomach or abdominal pain
- Aching joints or muscle pain
- Dark-colored urine
- Pale or clay-colored stools
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
If untreated, it can lead to serious problems like cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.
If untreated, it can lead to serious problems like cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.
When to See a Doctor
Book a doctor’s appointment at the nearest Care Center Clinic if you think you have been exposed to viral hepatitis, are experiencing ongoing symptoms, or want to check your liver health.
Viral hepatitis is diagnosed through physical exams and blood tests. Early consultation allows for proper testing, timely diagnosis, and appropriate care before serious liver problems develop.
Liver Cancer
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are two main types of liver cancer: primary and secondary. The most common form of primary liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which develops in the main liver cells called hepatocytes.
Primary liver cancer begins in the liver itself, while secondary liver cancer develops when cancer from another part of the body spreads to the liver. This section focuses on primary liver cancer, which is linked to chronic liver conditions such as Hepatitis B and C, heavy alcohol use, and fatty liver disease.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
Early liver cancer may cause little to no symptoms. As the condition advances, warning signs may include:
- Persistent fatigue or weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain or swelling in the upper right abdomen
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine and pale-colored stools
- Easy bruising or bleeding
When to See a Doctor
Visit the nearest Care Center Clinic if you experience ongoing symptoms, have a history of hepatitis or liver disease, or are at higher risk for liver cancer. Early screening and regular checkups can help detect problems sooner, when treatment options are more effective.
Bottomline
A healthy liver is essential for overall well-being. Viral hepatitis and liver cancer often develop silently, making regular checkups and early detection crucial. By understanding your risk factors, watching for symptoms, and seeking timely medical care, you can protect your liver and maintain a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Where Can Filipinos Get Checked for Liver Cancer and Viral Hepatitis? This January, as part of the Liver Cancer and Viral Hepatitis Awareness and Prevention Month in the Philippines, get your liver health assessed at the Care Center Clinic. Visit our PhilHealth YAKAP-accredited clinic to learn how to get free checkups, lab tests, and cancer screenings in the Philippines.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Who should get checked for viral hepatitis or liver cancer?
Individuals with a history of hepatitis B or C, heavy alcohol use, or fatty liver disease are recommended to have their liver checked.
2. Can viral hepatitis or liver cancer exist without symptoms?
Yes. Both conditions can develop silently for years. Many people feel fine until liver damage is already advanced, which is why regular screening is important even if you feel healthy.
3. How is liver health checked?
Doctors assess liver health through physical exams, blood tests, and imaging studies such as a liver ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. These tests help detect infection, inflammation, or early signs of liver damage. A liver biopsy may be requested by your doctor to confirm a liver cancer diagnosis.
4. Is viral hepatitis treatable?
Hepatitis C is curable, and early treatment of hepatitis B can prevent serious liver complications.
5. Can liver cancer be prevented?
While not all cases can be prevented, the risk can be greatly reduced through hepatitis vaccination, early treatment of viral hepatitis, limiting alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular medical checkups.