A new survey to mark Liver Cancer Awareness Month (October) has shown a lack of awareness among the general public about viral hepatitis and its link to liver cancer, the sixth most common cancer and the third most common cause of death from cancer worldwide.

Differences in levels of awareness were also seen between the countries surveyed.

The survey, commissioned by Janssen Pharmaceutica NV (Janssen), with the support of the World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA), the European Liver Patients Association (ELPA) and the International Liver Cancer Association (ILCA), was conducted in Russia, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom (UK) involving more than 5,000 members of the general public to provide a snapshot of public awareness across the WHO European Region.

Knowledge of Viral Hepatitis is Limited

Around nine out of ten (91%) survey respondents know nothing, or only a little, about viral hepatitis. Specifically, in Spain and Turkey, about four out of ten (42%) respondents know absolutely nothing about viral hepatitis, compared to about six out of ten in the UK (61%). More positively, in Russia, the number of respondents who know absolutely nothing decreases to only 13%.

“Viral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus which can lead to short-term, or acute infection. Hepatitis B, C and D infection can however also cause chronic hepatitis, long-term infection that can lead to life-threatening complications such as cirrhosis (liver scarring), liver failure, and liver cancer,”2 said Professor Peter R. Galle, Co-President of the International Liver Cancer Association. “Currently, up to 90% of people with hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection are unaware that they have the condition.”

Limited Viral Hepatitis Knowledge Means Main Cause of Liver Cancer Unknown

Despite the high prevalence and mortality of liver cancer, only 15% of survey respondents are aware that the main cause of liver cancer in most countries is viral hepatitis. The results vary by country though with significantly more respondents in Russia (21%) and Turkey (20%) aware of its cause compared to the UK (7%) and Spain (10%).  Overall, some 535,000 cases of liver cancer are attributable to hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection, nearly 90% of the total globally.

Lack of Awareness About Viral Hepatitis Transmission Routes May Be Putting People At Risk

In all countries, less than half of respondents are aware that the hepatitis B virus is transmitted through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person5 and the hepatitis C virus can only be transmitted through contact with the blood of an infected person.6 The survey also demonstrated that 50% of people incorrectly believe hepatitis C can be transmitted through unprotected intercourse.

Knowledge across the four countries surveyed is relatively similar with most people identifying that transmission of hepatitis B and hepatitis C can occur through the transfusion of blood (76%) and sharing of instruments/needles (64%).

Knowledge of Prevention and Treatment is Lacking Yet Critical

Public awareness about the availability of preventative measures and treatments for viral hepatitis has historically been limited.7 This is further supported by the results of this survey with more than half (56%) of respondents being incorrect or uncertain about symptoms, prevention and treatment of hepatitis B and hepatitis C. The survey also found that only around half of respondents are aware there is a vaccine for hepatitis B (49%), and that hepatitis B and C can be treated (45% and 50%, respectively).5,6

In addition, 40% of respondents are unaware that hepatitis C is a potentially curable disease.8 This figure varies greatly between countries with knowledge that hepatitis C can be cured being highest in Turkey (76%) and lowest in the UK (48%). Treatments are also available for hepatitis B, which slow the replication of the virus and occasionally result in its clearance.5

“The lack of public awareness of viral hepatitis is of grave concern. To drive improvements in testing and diagnosis rates, improved public awareness about the virus is necessary so that people can assess whether they have been at risk of infection, and come forward for testing,” said Achim Kautz, Policy Director, European Liver Patients Association.

“Only when people unknowingly living with viral hepatitis are informed and diagnosed and receive timely treatment is there a real chance for us to prevent the unnecessary development of liver cancer and reduce mortality,” said Charles Gore, President of the World Hepatitis Alliance. “This survey clearly reinforces the need for national governments across Europe to develop comprehensive strategies to address this.”

Source: EMEA