Hepatitis B
The role of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in causing HCC is well established. Several lines of evidence point to this strong association. As noted earlier, the frequency of HCC relates to (correlates with) the frequency of chronic HBV infection. In addition, the patients with HBV who are at greatest risk for HCC are men with HBV cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and a family history of HCC.
 Perhaps the most convincing evidence, however, comes from a prospective (looking forward in time) study done in the 1970’s in Taiwan involving male government employees over the age of 40. In this study, the investigators found that the risk of developing HCC was 200 times higher among employees who had chronic HBV as compared to employees without chronic HBV! Studies in animals also have provided evidence that HBV can cause HCC.
For example, we have learned that HCC develops in other mammals that are naturally infected with HBV-related viruses. Finally, by infecting transgenic mice with certain parts of the hepatitis B virus, scientists caused HCC to develop in mice that do not usually develop liver cancer. (Transgenic mice are mice that have been injected with new or foreign genetic material.)
Hepatitis B is spread by contact with an infected person’s blood, semen, or other body fluid.
You could get hepatitis B by:
- having sex with an infected person without using a condom
- sharing drug needles
- having a tattoo or body piercing done with dirty tools that were used on someone else
- getting pricked with a needle that has infected blood on it (health care workers can get hepatitis B this way)
- living with someone who has hepatitis B
- sharing a toothbrush or razor with an infected person
- traveling to countries where hepatitis B is common
An infected woman can give hepatitis B to her baby at birth. However, it is safe to breast feed but if your nipples are cracked or bleeding you should stop breast-feeding temporarily.
You can NOT get hepatitis B by
- shaking hands with an infected person
- hugging an infected person
- sitting next to an infected person
Hepatitis B Vaccination
The hepatitis B vaccine is given through three shots. All babies should get the vaccine. Infants get the first shot within 12 hours after birth. They get the second shot at age 1 to 2 months and the third shot between ages 6 and 18 months. Older children and adults can get the vaccine, too. They get three shots over 6 months. Children who have not had the vaccine should get it. You need all of the shots to be protected. If you are traveling to other countries, make sure you get all the shots before you go. If you miss a shot, call your doctor or clinic right away to set up a new appointment. What To Do If You Are Exposed To The Hepatitis B Virus.
If you are not immunised and you have sexual or blood contact with someone that may have hepatitis B, you should talk to your doctor or clinic about getting vaccinated and HBIg (hepatitis B immunoglobulin). HBIg can help your body fight hep B if you have just been exposed to the virus. You should get the HBIg injection within 72 hours of contact with blood, and within 14 days for sexual contact. What Happens When You Get Hepatitis B
If you have hepatitis B for less than 6 months, it is called ‘acute’. If you have it for longer than 6 months, it is called ‘chronic’. What happens when you are exposed to hepatitis B depends on how old you are when you get it. 95% of adults who get hepatitis B will ‘clear’ the virus and not develop chronic hepatitis B. This means your immune system will fight the virus and get rid of it from your body. You will no longer experience symptoms; you will not be able to pass hepatitis B to other people and will be immune to hepatitis B in the future. However, 90% of new-born babies who have hepatitis B will go on to have chronic hepatitis B. This is because the baby’s immune system is not yet mature and doesn’t recognise the hepatitis B virus as something it should try and clear from the body. The risk of getting hep B can be reduced by giving the baby vaccination and HBIg at birth. If you have hepatitis B for longer than 6 months and develop ‘chronic’ hepatitis B, it is important to look after yourself. 30% of people with hepatitis B may develop liver scarring (‘cirrhosis’). 5-10% may develop liver cancer. If you have chronic hepatitis B you may still feel well and not notice any symptoms. So it is important to have regular check ups with your doctor and liver specialist. There are treatments available to manage hepatitis Band other medications that can sometimes clear the virus.
Your diet and exercise, and the amount of alcohol you drink, can have a huge impact on how hepatitis B affects you.
How is Hepatitis B Treated ?
Some people with chronic (long-term)hepatitis B may benefit from treatment. There are currently two types of treatments available. One is Pegylated Interferon which is aimed at boosting your immune system and its ability to clear the hepatitis B virus from your body. Another type of treatment is anti-viral medication, which works by slowing down the reproduction of the virus. These anti-virals are sometimes called ‘nucleotide’ and ‘nucleoside analogues’. Treatment may not be appropriate for everyone, and sometimes people develop resistance to the medications. This means the medication may not work as well as it did when you first started.
What you can do to take care of yourself
- Stay in regular contact with your liver specialist or doctor
- Avoid drinking alcohol, or drink less. Alcohol can increase your chances of developing liver scarring or cancer
- Eat a balanced healthy diet
- Get regular exercise
- Reduce your stress
- Try to maintain a healthy body weight
- Manage your stress, get support, and rest as much as you need to
Some people find that alternative or complementary therapies like massage, acupuncture and herbs such as milk thistle can improve the quality of their life and reduce symptoms. However, there are many herbs that are potentially dangerous to the liver. These include: black cohosh, bayberry, skullcap and valerian. Some herbs may also interact with other medic
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