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  • Re-energized in Our Mission … A Message from Joan Block of HBF

    Historic ruling now officially recognizes HBV infection as a protected disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. What a difference two years make. In 2011 the Hepatitis B Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary and we were ready to rest awhile on our laurels after working so hard. But instead, we rallied for new challenges and now we have a lot to celebrate in 2013!   Joan M. Block, Co-Founder and Executive Director In March, the U.S. Department of Justice struck down HBV discrimination in a settlement with two New Jersey medical schools that had denied enrollment to students with hepatitis B. The historic ruling now officially recognizes HBV infection as a protected disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act—a huge advocacy success in which the Hepatitis B Foundation played a key role. To fulfill our mission of decreasing the burden of hepatitis B and liver cancer in the U.S., we partnered with AAPCHO to establish Hep B United as a national program to support local coalitions improve screening, vaccination and linkage to care, particularly among high-risk Asian immigrants. In recognition of Hep B United’s momentum, the CDC recently awarded HBF a major grant to build the coalition and its membership, and to serve as an official partner in their Know Hepatitis B national campaign (see In The News). This year we also created CHIPO, the first national coalition to address the heavy burden of hepatitis B among African immigrants, which is an area of tremendous need. The big news in 2013, however, is the renaming of our research institute in honor of Nobel Laureate Dr. Baruch S. Blumberg, who was a cofounder of the HBF and mentor to many of our scientists and outreach professionals for almost 20 years. Dr. Blumberg believed that a cure was possible in our lifetime, so we are honored to take up the challenge with renewed energy and purpose to fulfill his scientific legacy. Please give generously to our 2013 Annual Fund! Your

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/re-energized-in-our-mission-a-message-from-joan-block-of-hbf/
  • Launch of New Patient-Focused Website at LiverCancerConnect.org

    A dedicated program of the Hepatitis B Foundation for patients and families  The statistics are sobering. Liver cancer is the seventh most common cancer in the world, but the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Worldwide, more than 700,000 people are diagnosed with primary liver cancer each year, accounting for more than 600,000 deaths annually. Equally disturbing is the fact that while the incidence rates of most cancers have declined in recent years, the incidence rate for liver cancer is increasing. But there is encouraging progress in the fight against liver cancer. Scientific research into new treatments is yielding promising results. And perhaps more significantly, the major causes of liver cancer— such as chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C infections, and cirrhosis — are largely preventable. A safe and effective vaccine against hepatitis B has been available since 1986. In fact, this vaccine was named the world’s first “anti-cancer” vaccine, because it prevents chronic hepatitis B infection, the world’s leading cause of liver cancer. While no vaccine for hepatitis C currently exists, new drugs can eliminate the virus, thereby halting the progression to liver cancer. And cirrhosis can be avoided by preventing chronic hepatitis B and C infections, limiting alcohol intake, and preventing fatty liver disease associated with obesity. Knowing that these risk factors are preventable makes it all the more important to identify people at risk for liver cancer, educate them about prevention and treatment options, and direct them to appropriate medical care. To provide accurate, easy-to-understand information to people diagnosed with liver cancer, the Hepatitis B Foundation has created the first patient-focused website, www.LiverCancerConnect.org. The website aims to help people better understand how liver cancer is diagnosed and how it can be treated or prevented. In addition, wwwLiverCancerConnect.org includes a Drug Watch of potential new liver

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/launch-of-new-patient-focused-website-at-livercancerconnect-org/
  • China Approves Hepatitis E Vaccine - What that means if you have HBV

    It was an interesting couple of weeks for viral hepatitis vaccines.  A potential vaccine for Hepatitis C appears to be on the horizon, and China announced it has approved a vaccine for use for hepatitis E virus (HEV). What does this mean if you have hepatitis B?  I’m not sure. If you are living with HBV, it is clear that it is best to avoid coinfection with another hepatitis virus or infectious agent.  Coinfection will likely hasten liver disease progression and increase the risk for liver cancer.  At this time, the hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for those who are infected with HBV in order to avoid additional stress to the liver. Please keep in mind that the mode of transmission is the same for HBV and HCV, but is different for HAV and HEV.  It’s important to keep your viral hepatitis ABC’s straight! Hepatitis E is a self-limiting disease, which is shed in the feces and transmitted via contaminated water and food – very much like HAV.  Although HEV is an acute infection like hepatitis A (HAV), it has about a 3% overall mortality rate and a much higher rate among pregnant women, and solid organ transplant recipients. It predominantly affects those between the ages of 15 and 40 years. HEV is endemic in Central and South-East Asia,  North and West Africa, Mexico and developing nations where there may not be access to clean water and proper sanitation and hygiene.  At this time, it is not prevalent in the U.S., but we are a traveling nation, and it’s something to think about when traveling abroad. The HEV vaccine, developed by Xiamen University and Xiamen Innovax Biotech Co. Ltd. is a three-shot series : shot one followed one month later by shot 2, followed by shot 3 six-months after the third shot. The phase III trial results were found to be well tolerated and safe for the general adult population.  This would make the HEV vaccine a good choice for travelers in endemic areas who can receive adequate protection with a 2-shot series in one

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/china-approves-hepatitis-e-vaccine-what-that-means-if-you-have-hbv/
  • Ringing in a Happy, Healthy 2012 For Those Living with HBV

    Out with the old bad habits and in with the new, healthy habits. The New Year is upon us and for those of us living with HBV; it’s time to make a commitment to habits that support a healthy liver.  Let’s start with New Year’s Eve – A sip of champagne to ring in the New Year? Yes!  Half a magnum of champagne to ring in the New Year… dangerous! Let’s face it. Drinking alcohol and HBV do NOT mix.  Years of HBV results in liver disease progression. Drinking alcohol to excess also causes liver disease progression. The rate and degree of liver disease progression is not necessarily predictable and may vary with the individual. However, mix hepatitis B and alcohol and you have a deadly combination leading to more advanced liver disease progression.  Make the commitment in 2012 to stop drinking alcohol. Do you smoke?  Why?  The warnings regarding the risks of smoking never cease.  If you smoke and have HBV, you increase the rate of your liver disease progression and you significantly increase your risk of liver cancer. Once again it’s the combination of HBV and the bad habit that increases your risk of liver cancer even more.  Smoking is bad for you and HBV is bad for you.  Make a commitment in 2012 to stop smoking. Fatty liver disease and diabetes are on the rise. ALT levels may be elevated by your HBV or by fatty liver disease.  You don’t want either, so do your best to avoid foods that increase your risk for diabetes or fatty liver disease. Take a hard look at your diet.  Do grab food on the go?  Do you shop on the inside of the grocery store or the outside?  Do the food items you buy contain a list of ingredients you cannot pronounce?  Go back to basics. Shop on the outside of the store where the fresh vegetables, fruits and other fresh foods reside.  Make your own meals rather than buying ready-made. There is no specific diet for those living with hepatitis B, but a healthy diet is important. Eat fresh, healthy vegetables, fruits and lean

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/ringing-in-a-happy-healthy-2012-for-those-living-with-hbv/
  • Many Parents Request Delays in Vaccine Schedule -Why the HBV Vaccine is Important for Infants and Young Children

    … HBV vaccine shortages.  Many cannot afford the vaccine, and many are unaware of the vaccine until they learn they are infected. In the U.S. we have an opportunity to prevent a life-long infection with HBV with a simple vaccine.  Please don't choose to delay or omit the hepatitis B vaccine from your child's vaccine schedule.

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/many-parents-request-delays-in-vaccine-schedule-why-the-hbv-vaccine-is-important-for-infants-and-young-children/