Hepatitis: a silent threat that can lead to liver cancer

• On World Hepatitis Day, gastroenterologist Mirna Fonfrías, of IntraCare Center, warns that hepatitis B and C can become chronic and lead to liver cancer.

Santo Domingo. – Viral hepatitis remains one of the main causes of chronic liver disease worldwide and a direct threat to public health. To mark World Hepatitis Day, commemorated every 28 July, the call for prevention, early diagnosis and timely treatment is being stepped up to avoid serious complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.

According to Dr Mirna Fonfrías, gastroenterologist at IntraCare Center, the disease, caused by various viruses (types A, B, C, D and E), can affect people of all ages. Types B and C, however, are the greatest concern because of their capacity to become chronic and cause progressive damage to the liver, often without showing symptoms for years. That silent progression increases the risk of developing liver cancer if there is no intervention in time.

The IntraCare Center specialist says that, in the Dominican Republic, thousands of people may be living with chronic hepatitis without knowing it, which represents a significant challenge for the health system. The absence of symptoms in the early stages delays diagnosis, which prevents proper treatment and encourages the virus to spread.

Preventing and controlling hepatitis is possible. Vaccination against hepatitis B, access to drinking water, proper hygiene and reducing risky practices, such as sharing needles or unprotected sex, are essential measures. In the case of hepatitis C, although there is no vaccine, the antiviral treatments available can cure the disease in most cases if it is detected in time.

World Hepatitis Day seeks to raise awareness of the need to act quickly against an infection that, although preventable and treatable, can have fatal consequences if it is not controlled. Strengthening detection strategies, access to health services and community education are essential to reducing the burden of liver disease in the country.

Avoiding hepatitis today is preventing liver cancer tomorrow. Acting early makes the difference.

About IntraCare Center

IntraCare Center is a health centre specialising in oncology services, palliative care, outpatient and home chemotherapy, and the distribution of cytostatic medicines. It has a team committed to improving the quality of life of adult and paediatric cancer patients, through innovative equipment and technological systems operating to the highest standards of quality and biosafety.