What is Hepatitis B infection?

Hepatitis B is an infection caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) which can cause both acute and chronic liver diseases. Chronic liver conditions can often turn cancerous, if left untreated. The best shield against HBV infection is vaccination. Hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective and offers long-term protection against hepatitis B infection. In this blog, we explore the link between hepatitis B infection and liver cancer, the role vaccination plays in prevention, and who should get vaccinated.

The connection between Hepatitis B and liver cancer

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus that infiltrates liver cells and incorporates its DNA into the cells. A person infected with hepatitis B has the virus residing in the body’s liver cells. Hepatitis B can result in liver inflammation which, over time, can lead to liver damage. The infection can be either acute or chronic, depending upon the period for which it lasts. Up to 56% of all liver cancer cases in the world are associated with hepatitis B infection. Chronic HBV infection can lead to chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and eventually, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC ranks one among the top five cancers globally.

Signs and symptoms of Hepatitis B infection

Not all individuals with hepatitis B infection show symptoms. Often, an infected person shows mild symptoms that go unnoticed and are easy to ignore. To stay aware of what’s happening inside your body, here are the general, subtle symptoms caused by hepatitis B infection:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Pain in the abdomen
• Dark urine
• Fever
• Yellowing of skin (jaundice) or sclera (white) of the eyes

What is Hepatitis B vaccination?

Known as the first “anti-cancer” vaccine in the world, hepatitis B vaccination offers protection against hepatitis B, the leading cause of liver cancer across the world. It is a recombinant vaccine that makes your body to produce antibodies against the disease. A person who is given this vaccine develops a mild infection which helps build immunity. This type of mild infection does not lead to any illness such as hepatitis B or HIV infection. It only stimulates the body to produce antibodies that will act in defense against future infections.

Who should take Hepatitis B vaccination?

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended globally for all infants at the time of birth and children up to the age of 18 years. In adults, those living with diabetes and having high risk of infection due to their jobs, lifestyle, or living conditions are recommended to have this shot. Below is a list of individuals who are more prone to hepatitis B infection:

• Babies born to mothers having hepatitis B infection
• Persons engaging in sexual acts with individuals having hepatitis B infection
• Sexually active people who have multiple sexual partners
• Persons who are already suffering from STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases)
• Men sexually engaged with other men
• Healthcare and public safety workers at risk of exposure to contaminated blood
• Persons with end-stage renal disease that require dialysis in some form
• Travelers to high-risk countries (e.g. Asia, Africa, South America, Middle East, etc.)
• Persons with chronic liver disease (e.g. cirrhosis, fatty liver disease)
• Individuals with hepatitis C infection

Preventing liver cancer begins with prevention of hepatitis B infection. It is important to understand that hepatitis B vaccination offers life-long protection for most people. Thus, getting vaccinated against HBV will significantly reduce the risk of serious complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Talk to your healthcare provider about your liver health and vaccination status. It is high time we rise together to reduce the burden of liver cancer from our society through vaccination and regular screening.