85% of liver cancer in Korea is related to hepatitis B-C
Liver cancer has a high number of patients, with more than 15,000 new patients per year. In 2020 alone, 15,152 men and women (National Cancer Registry Statistics) suffered from liver cancer. The risk of death is also high. Liver cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in Korea, after lung cancer. followed by colon cancer. stomach cancer and pancreatic cancer in that order. What is the relationship between hepatitis and liver cancer? Could it be contagious or hereditary?
◆ Viral hepatitis… transmitted through blood or bodily fluids
Viral hepatitis is not a genetic disease. It is transmitted through blood or bodily fluids. Vaccination is now required, but hepatitis B is very likely to infect the baby before or after birth if the mother has the virus (vertical transmission). However, 90 to 95% of babies can be prevented from getting hepatitis B by injecting immune globulin preparations into babies (National Cancer Information Center). Currently, there are many cases in which the middle-aged or older age group has not been vaccinated, so hepatitis B, which is at high risk of liver cancer, should be closely watched.
◆ Liver cancer is not a genetic disease… Highly contagious hepatitis virus among family members
There are cases in which multiple liver cancer patients occur in one family, so many people are concerned about heredity. However, liver cancer is not a genetic disease. This is because the hepatitis virus spreads well between family members. However, people with a family history of liver cancer and risk factors such as hepatitis B or C should receive an early screening for liver cancer more thoroughly.
◆ It can be transmitted through syringe-needle, tattoo-acupuncture, and sexual contact.
Viral hepatitis literally means inflammation of the liver caused by infection with a virus. Hepatitis B is mainly transmitted by blood or bodily fluids, and there are cases of vertical infection between mother and newborn, sexual intercourse, and exposure of damaged skin or mucous membranes to blood. In addition to vertical transmission, hepatitis C can be transmitted primarily through blood transfusions, contaminated syringes or needles, tattoos or acupuncture, and sexual contact.
◆ 85% of domestic liver cancer… Associated with hepatitis B-C
Hepatitis B and C can cause cirrhosis (cirrhosis of the liver) and liver cancer. About 75% of liver cancer patients in Korea have hepatitis B virus, and about 10% have hepatitis C virus. Therefore, preventing infection with these viruses is the most certain way to prevent liver cancer. In addition, abstaining from alcohol, smoking cessation, and maintaining an appropriate weight also help prevent liver cancer. Liver cancer is quite advanced when symptoms of right upper abdominal pain, severe fatigue, and jaundice appear. Prevention is the most important.