Long-term infection with hepatitis B is the most significant risk factor for liver cancer. Liver cancer is the fastest-rising cause of cancer related-deaths in Australia.
If it is not treated, chronic hepatitis B can cause liver damage, increasing the risk of liver cancer. Up to one in four people with untreated chronic hepatitis B will develop liver cancer.
Other risk factors for liver cancer include:
- fatty liver disease or genetic disorders including haemochromatosis, or alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency
- type 2 diabetes
- alcohol consumption
- obesity
- smoking tobacco
- exposure to certain chemicals.
What is hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B (also known as ‘hep B’) is a virus that affects the liver and if left untreated, can cause:
- Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)
- Liver cancer
- Liver failure
The virus infects cells in the liver (hepatocytes) and when the body’s immune system responds to this infection the liver can become inflamed. Chronic inflammation of the liver can lead to cirrhosis which increase the risk of developing liver cancer.
Over 237,000 Australians are living with chronic hepatitis B. Hepatitis B can affect anyone, and it affects people in different ways. Many do not know they have it and may be at risk of liver cancer.
Hepatitis B infection can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). Acute hepatitis B lasts less than six months and then the body fights off the virus. Chronic hepatitis B lasts for more than six months and is a lifelong illness. Some people with chronic hepatitis B don’t feel any symptoms, while others may feel tired a lot and have mild symptoms.
How do you get hepatitis B?
The hepatitis B virus spreads through contact with body fluids or blood from someone who already has the virus.
It can be spread:
- From a mother who has the virus to child during childbirth or in early childhood. However, newborns can be vaccinated to avoid getting infected in almost all cases.
- By sharing personal items that could have traces of blood on them, like razors, toothbrushes, or nail clippers.
- By sharing needles, syringes, or any drug injecting equipment
- By accident with a needle or splashing of infected blood
- Through unprotected sex
It cannot be spread by:
- Sharing food, drinks, or cutlery
- Though social contact such as hugging, kissing, shaking hands
- Eating certain foods or drinking dirty water
Who should be tested for hepatitis B?
You should consider getting a test if you think you have been in a situation where you could have been exposed to Hepatitis B, or if you:
- Are from a culturally and linguistically diverse community, including:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- Migrants from countries where hepatitis B is common i.e., the Asia Pacific region, Africa, Eastern and Southern Europe, and the Middle East.
- Have a family member(s), live with someone, or are sexual partners of someone who has chronic hepatitis B
- Have hepatitis C or HIV, or both
- Are pregnant
- Have multiple sex partners
- Are a man who has sex with men
- Are immunocompromised, including people undergoing dialysis
- Inject drugs
- Are a sex worker
What tests are done to find hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is diagnosed through a blood test. Your doctor can perform the test to see if you:
- Have been previously been infected with hepatitis B
- Have been vaccinated against hepatitis B
- Have a current hepatitis B infection and whether you have:
- acute (short-term) hepatitis B
- chronic (long-term) hepatitis B
- What stage your hepatitis B is in
What to do if you have chronic hepatitis B
If you have chronic hepatitis B, you will need to see your doctor regularly for check-ups. Your doctor may refer you to a liver specialist. The doctor or specialist will do tests to monitor the health of your liver.
These check-ups (surveillance) will help to find signs of liver disease earlier. If liver cancer is found early, the cancer is less likely to have spread to other parts of the body and there is a greater chance that treatment is successful
Is there a treatment for chronic hepatitis B?
Treatment for chronic hepatitis B is available, but it is not a cure.
Not everyone with hepatitis B will need treatment, but regular monitoring by their doctor is necessary. Your doctor will help you decide if and when you need treatment.
Vaccination against hepatitis B
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent hepatitis B infection.
In Australia, all newborns are recommended to have the free hepatitis B vaccine at birth and in infancy.
Children and adolescents who haven’t received the vaccine or missed a dose of vaccine can catch up by following an alternative schedule with their GP.
In WA, the hepatitis B vaccine is also free for some high risk groups – ask your GP or immunisation provider.
If you’re not sure whether you’ve had the vaccine before or whether you are immune to hepatitis B, your doctor can take a blood test to check.
How much does the vaccine cost?
Hepatitis B vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for babies within 7 days of being born, and children aged 2 months, 4 months and 6 months.
People in high risk groups are eligible to receive a free catch up vaccination if they did not receive the vaccines in childhood.
We recommend the following steps to lower your risk of hepatitis B-related liver cancer:
- Discuss your risk of hepatitis B with your GP or health professional and if advised, have a blood test to check if you have chronic hepatitis B. Encourage your family and household members to get tested too.
- If you have not had the hepatitis B vaccine, we recommend you get it. The vaccine is free for all newborn babies, children, adolescents and partners, family, and household members of people with hepatitis B
- If you have chronic hepatitis B, get regular check-ups with your doctor
For more information:
- Talk to your doctor
- Speak to a nurse at Cancer Council WA on 13 11 20
- For translation services, Call Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 13 14 50
- Visit HepatitisWA or call the HepatitisWA Helpline at (08) 9328 8538