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  • Sharing Your Story - Your Family's Story

    Sharing Your Story – Your Family’s Story Image courtesy of Good Free Photos Thanksgiving is not only a day to eat turkey or remind us to remember what we are thankful for; it is also National Family History Day!!1 This holiday can be used an opportunity for families to discuss and record health problems that run through the family, as this helps us live longer and healthier. 1 There are many chronic diseases that may run through multiple generations of a family. 1 Doctors can predict whether or not you could have a chronic disease just by knowing if your parents, grandparents, and other relatives have had it. 1 That is why knowing your family health history is an important and powerful screening tool.1 You can change unhealthy behaviors, reduce your risk of diseases, and know when you should be screened when you learn about what diseases run through your family. 2 Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Hepatitis B is not like other chronic diseases, where if your parents have it, your genes make you more prone to it. Hepatitis B is not genetic. The hepatitis B virus is transmitted through blood and infected body fluids. This can happen through direct blood-to-blood contact, unprotected sex, body piercings or tattooing, intravenous drug use, and as a result of unsafe medical or dental procedures. It can also be transmitted from an hepatitis B positive mother to her baby at birth. Even though hepatitis B is not genetic, you should still include it in your family health history discussion! The most common method of hepatitis B transmission worldwide is from mother-to-child due to the blood exchange that happens during child birth. Pregnant women who are infected with hepatitis B can transmit the virus to their newborns during delivery. 90% of babies exposed to hepatitis B at birth will become chronically infected with hepatitis B, which increases their risk of serious liver disease later in life. Knowing your family’s hepatitis B history can help you figure out

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/sharing-story-familys-story/
  • Navigating Our Emotions When We’re First Diagnosed with Hepatitis B

    Image courtesy of Pixabay When we’re first diagnosed with hepatitis B, our physical health isn’t the only thing we need to focus on. Many of us experience powerful surges of fear, anger, sadness, powerlessness, depression, and anxiety. No matter what you’re feeling, you have a right to feel whatever emotions are welling up – sometimes unexpectedly – inside you. There are no right or wrong feelings, they just are, and it’s up to you to decide what choices you make and how to respond to them. When my daughter was first diagnosed, she was a toddler and happened to be coming down with a cold. I knew nothing about hepatitis B and was convinced she would soon die from it given her crankiness, lethargy, and nonstop sleeping. Within a day or two, she was her smiling, energetic self again, and I happily slipped into denial. Surely the test was wrong or there was a mix-up in the result. My husband dragged his feet for weeks before he agreed to be screened for hepatitis B so great was his denial and fear. Denial is a normal first reaction, it can give us some  breathing room to get used to the idea that we’re infected. But denial can also be dangerous, especially if we’re in a sexual relationship with someone and don’t take precautions. Denial can be dangerous when we hide our infection and don’t tell our family members or partners, even though they may have been exposed. Denial is dangerous when we don’t tell our parents, who may not know they’re infected and unknowingly passed the virus to us at birth. It’s important to talk out our feelings with a doctor, a therapist, or a friend you trust. We need to move through denial so we can begin to receive the care and support we need, and talk to others who may also be at risk. Anger is another common and natural feeling after a diagnosis. It’s OK to get upset about how we or our family members were infected, or get angry that our parents or lovers didn’t know they had the virus and infected us. Try

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/navigating-emotions-first-diagnosed-hepatitis-b/
  • October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month! What’s the Hep B Connection?

    Liver Cancer Ribbon According to the World Health Organization (WHO), liver cancer is the second most common cancer in the world, leading to 788,000 annual deaths worldwide. Most liver cancer cases occur in developing countries. More than 80 percent of these cancers are found in sub-Saharan Africa and Eastern Asia where more than 20 of every 100,000 people will suffer and die from liver cancer. However, liver cancer is alarmingly on the rise in developed countries, as well. In a recent study, researchers from The American Cancer Society found that liver cancer is the fastest-growing cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Only 20 percent of people diagnosed with liver cancer survive beyond five years, and the number of deaths have doubled since the mid-1980s, and they are expected to continue to rise. Why is liver cancer growing in most of the world? There are many risk factors for liver cancer, but chronic hepatitis B accounts for up to 60% of liver cancer and is the most common risk factor for this type of cancer. People who are chronically infected with hepatitis B are 100 times more likely to develop liver cancer compared to those who are not. The hepatitis B virus attacks the liver directly and repeatedly over time. This can lead to liver damage and scarring of the liver (or cirrhosis); which greatly increases the risk of liver cancer. Sometimes, people with hepatitis B can develop liver cancer even when they do not have cirrhosis. There are a number of complicating factors which can  increase the risk of liver cancer including traits specific to the virus and the person and their health status, which should be discussed with a liver specialist to determine when you should initiate screening. How many years have you had hepatitis B? The longer you’re infected, the higher your risk of liver cancer. What is your gender? Men are considered at higher risk of liver cancer and may be screened starting at an earlier age because they may be more likely to

    https://www.hepb.org/blog/october-liver-cancer-awareness-month-whats-hep-b-connection/
  • Diagnosed with Hepatitis B? Preventing Transmission to Others. Learning the HBV Basics Transmission - Part III

    How can you prevent future transmission? Now that you are aware of your infection, it’s easier than you think.  In a perfect world, everyone would be vaccinated against HBV and be protected, but of course this is sometimes not the case. Always encourage HBV vaccination when possible now that you understand the importance of this safe and effective 3-shot series. However, the vaccine does take time to complete, so in the interim, some general precautions will keep you and everyone you know safe. Always maintain a barrier between blood and infected body fluids and any open cuts, mucous membranes (eyes, nose or mouth), or orifices of someone else. Keep cuts, bug bites – anything that bleeds or oozes - covered with a bandage. Also, remember to carry a spare bandage.  These are some simple prevention methods. Do not consider unprotected sex unless you are sure your partner has had all 3 shots of the HBV vaccine series. And remember to consider the risks of other infectious diseases that are transmitted sexually if you are not in a monogamous relationship.  Multiple sex partners and non-monogamous relationships expose you to the potential of more health risks and even the possibility of a co-infection.  Co-infections are when someone has more than one serious chronic condition (like HBV and HCV , HBV and HIV or HBV and HDV).  Co-infections are complicated health conditions that you want to avoid. Therefore, practice safe sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom if you have multiple partners. General precautions include carefully handling of your own blood, tending to your own blood spills when possible, and properly disposing of feminine hygiene products. Properly dispose of blood stained materials in tightly closed plastic bags. If someone else must tend to your bleeding wound or clean up your blood spill, be sure they wear gloves, or maintain a barrier, and wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water.  Many germs and virus (like HBV) can be effectively

    https://www.hepb.org/blog/diagnosed-with-hepatitis-b-preventing-transmission-to-others-learning-the-hbv-basics-transmission-part-iii/
  • Diagnosed with Hepatitis B? Preventing Transmission to Others Learning the Hep B Basics, Transmission Part II

    Part I discussed how hepatitis B is transmitted and may have helped you determine how you were infected with hep B.   In Part II we will discuss the people closest to you who may be susceptible to your infection. Anyone exposed to Hep B is susceptible. This is true if you have not already been vaccinated, or are not taking precautions. Hep B does not discriminate. However, those most susceptible to infection are your sexual partners, close household contacts or family members. Why are the these people more susceptible?  Remember that HBV is transmitted through direct contact with blood and sexual fluids, so sexual partners will be at risk. Unfortunately even close contacts without sexual intimacy may also be at risk. These include family members or roommates that might borrow your razor, the nail clippers on the downstairs counter, or your favorite pair of pierced earrings or body jewelry. Such personal items may have trace amounts of blood on them. All you have to do is keep them separate until everyone is tested and vaccinated. Hepatitis B is NOT spread casually. You will not get HBV by co-existing in the same house, sharing a meal or eating food prepared by someone with hepatitis B. You will not get hep B by sneezing, kissing, hugging or holding someone with hepatitis B. Hepatitis B can live outside the body for a week. It just makes sense that the odds of an exposure are more likely with someone you live with just due to the increased potential for daily exposure in simple grooming routines or household activities where blood could be exchanged. The good news is that hep B is preventable. It is important to know that unvaccinated babies and young children are more susceptible to Hep B. In fact 90% of babies and up to 50% of young children infected with hep B will have life-long infection. This is a complicated topic, but basically their immune systems are immature. That is why young babies and young children may have high viral loads, but usually less

    http://www.hepb.org/blog/diagnosed-with-hepatitis-b-preventing-transmission-to-others-learning-the-hbv-basics-transmission-part-ii/
  • Princeton Workshop 2022

    April 27-28, Timothy M. Block Research Campus, Doylestown, Pa. Hepatitis B-Associated Liver Cancer: Opportunities to Address Gaps in Early Detection and Improve Outcomes The Hepatitis B Foundation’s biennial Princeton Workshop this year focused on improving early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), or primary liver cancer, the world’s third-leading cause of cancer deaths. Held April 27-28, 2022, at the Foundation’s Headquarters in Doylestown, Pa., the workshop was led by Dr. Brian J. McMahon, Dr. Chari A. Cohen, Dr. Timothy M. Block and members of the Foundation’s Scientific and Medical and Advisory Board. [Note: A report from this meeting recently published in the journal JNCI Cancer Spectrum is available here.] Since our 2015 Princeton Workshop (which also focused on liver cancer), death rates from liver cancer have continued to rise despite the availability of a range of treatments. Outcomes are strongly associated with how advanced the cancer is when it is diagnosed, and most liver cancer is diagnosed at later stages. Current U.S. guidelines recommend liver cancer screening for people at risk every six months, to diagnose liver cancer at earlier states when it there is the greatest chance of cure. However, few people at risk access/undergo appropriate liver cancer surveillance. The 2022 workshop participants discussed the most pressing challenges and barriers to the early detection of liver cancer, as well as tools and technologies that could improve early detection. Workshop participants reviewed technical, patient-level, provider-level and systemic challenges and missed opportunities to detect early stage liver cancer; algorithms for liver cancer risk stratification to help providers and patients more accurately assess their liver cancer risk; and surveillance tools such as new biomarkers and advanced imaging incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI). The workgroup identified that little meaningful progress has been made towards improving liver cancer surveillance or liver cancer survival in the past decade. Participants stated that action to reduce liver cancer mortality is urgently needed, with considerable concern that many of the challenges faced today are the same as those faced a decade ago. Participants stressed that increasing liver cancer surveillance is a priority, and that simultaneously, we must support research that develops and validates better screening tests and strategies. Dr. Brian McMahon will be leading the development of a manuscript of the workshop proceedings for peer-review. Key Takeaways, Princeton Workshop 2022 Little progress has been made in the past decade towards improving liver cancer mortality rates. There is an urgent need to improve and systematize liver cancer surveillance and early detection among those at high-risk. We need to act swiftly to prioritize early detection to save lives. We cannot wait while incidence and mortality rates continue to rise each year. Stakeholders need to work together to generate a national sense of urgency that will lead to change in policy and practice to improve liver cancer surveillance. We should increase utilization of current screening tools while simultaneously developing better tests. Future research should focus on identification and validation of new biomarkers, and development of biorepositories to facilitate such research. We must raise provider and patient awareness about the risk of cancer, the need for surveillance and early detection, and the availability of effective, curative treatments. Patients and providers would benefit from development of a user-friendly liver cancer risk calculator. We should design and investigate approaches to motivate providers and patients and decrease barriers to liver cancer surveillance. 2022 Princeton Workshop Participants Front Row (L-R): Ying-Hsiu Su, Anna Suk-Fong Lok, Su Wang, Chari Cohen, Timothy Block, Dhruv Roy, JoAnn Rinaudo, Yasmin Ibrahim, Jake Liang, Elle Grevstad, Doan Dao, Catherine Freeland, Dianna Miller, Brian McMahon Back Row (L-R): Aejaz Sayeed, George Ioannou, Ray Kim, Lewis Roberts, Theodore Welling, Amit Singal, Kenneth Rothstein, Anand Mehta, Thomas Karasic, Jorge Marrero, George Rogge, Hashem El-Serag, Beatrice Zovich, Robert Gish Not Pictured: Robert Brown, William Grady, Josep Llovet, Edith Mitchell, Norah Terrault

    https://www.hepb.org/news-and-events/princeton-workshop/princeton-workshop-2022/
  • Donate

    We believe that nobody should die from hepatitis B. Your gift will help the Hepatitis B Foundation fulfill its mission to find a cure and improve the lives of those affected worldwide through research, education, public health and patient advocacy. Make a difference and help us bring hope and save lives! The Hepatitis B Foundation is a national 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. azdurudwtybfbzfwvfryydwwbbyuaawuyttctx Ways to Donate Make a one-time giftYour donation will support the valuable programs of the Hepatitis B Foundation. Become a Hepatitis B Champion with a monthly gift As a loyal donor, your monthly gift ensures that the Hepatitis B Foundation’s valuable programs are sustained.  Give through your Donor Advised Fund The Hepatitis B Foundation accepts gifts from Donor Advised Funds. Your DAF sponsor will need our tax ID number, which is 23-2655669, address, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown PA 18902, and contact information for a development staff member should they have any questions. The contact person is Jean Holmes, jean.holmes@hepb.org, 215-489-4946. It should also be noted that donors can now fulfill pledges from DAF accounts, as long as the sponsor does not refer to a pledge in their grant letter to us. DAFs may not be used to pay for tables or auction items at events.[embed_content, id="1"] Give Appreciated StockGiving appreciated stock is one of the most savvy and smart ways to give. Save on your taxes and make a larger gift than you’d be able to otherwise without having to change your portfolio. Click HERE for more information.                                                                                 Pledge Your Birthday!Want to do more to support the fight against hepatitis B? Pledge your birthday, and ask your friends and family for donations to HBF in lieu of gifts. Complete our pledge form, and when your birthday is near, we will send you a customized donation link to ask your friends to donate to help those affected by hepatitis B for your big day. Pledge your birthday today! Join the 1991 Legacy Society by including us in your will Planned giving is a great way to support the mission of the Hepatitis B Foundation. By including us in your will or trust, you can make a lasting gift to help us eradicate hepatitis B worldwide. Click here to learn more about joining the 1991 Legacy Society through planned giving. Ask if your employer has a matching gifts program Many corporations will match their employee gifts to charitable organizations, which then doubles or triples your personal gift to the Hepatitis B Foundation. Check with your employer’s human resources or community relations department to determine their procedure for matching your gift to the Hepatitis B Foundation. You can also check to see if your company does matching gifts HERE. Vehicle Donation Are you thinking of selling or trading in a vehicle? Donate it to the Hepatitis B Foundation instead. Turn your car, running or not, into a tax-deductible contribution and help find a cure and improve quality of life for those affected by hepatitis B worldwide. Donate your car. Shop Amazon Smile for a CauseIt only takes a few seconds to select the “Hepatitis B Foundation” as your charity of choice and a portion of your sales will be donated to us! Learn more about Amazon Smile.   You may also mail your donation payable to the Hepatitis B Foundation to our office:Hepatitis B Foundation 3805 Old Easton Road Doylestown PA 18902 U.S.A. Telephone: 215-489-4900 Email: info@hepb.org    

    https://www.hepb.org/donate/
  • Maureen K's Story

    When Maureen learned that her young daughter had hepatitis B, she knew she would need to fight for her daughter's health. What she did not anticipate was the reaction from family and others who learned of the diagnosis. In this video, Maureen talks about navigating issues of disclosure and stigma with her daughter.  

    https://www.hepb.org/research-and-programs/patient-story-telling-project/maureen-ks-story/
  • Online Support Groups

    Support Groups There are several good Internet Support Group Listservs dedicated to hepatitis B. These Lists provide emotional support and practical help for those living with hepatitis B. There are also organizations that can refer individuals to traditional ("land-based") support groups.   Internet Support Groups Hepatitis B Information and Support List (HB-L)This is a private online adult support group for hepatitis B. It is a well-supervised list with reliable information. All those affected by or concerned about hepatitis B are invited to participate. HBV Adoption Support List Adoptive or biological parents of children living with hepatitis B are invited to participate. This is a restricted list to protect the privacy of parents and children, and requires pre-approval by the list owners to join. PKIDs Email Support List Adoptive and biological parents of children living with chronic hepatitis B or C, and HIV are invited to participate. This is an unsupervised list sponsored by the national non-profit organization PKIDs.

    https://www.hepb.org/resources-and-support/online-support-groups/
  • Newly Diagnosed with Hepatitis B

    If you or someone you love have recently been diagnosed with hepatitis B, you are not alone. In fact, nearly 1 in 3 people worldwide will be infected with the hepatitis B virus in their life time. Receiving a diagnosis of hepatitis B can be confusing or overwhelming, and you may have questions or concerns. The Hepatitis B Foundation is here to help.   First Steps 1. Understand your diagnosis. Do you have an acute or chronic infection? When someone is first infected with hepatitis B, it is considered an acute infection. Most healthy adults who are acutely infected are able to get rid of the virus on their own. If you continue to test positive for hepatitis B after 6 months, it is considered a chronic infection. Knowing whether your hepatitis B is acute or chronic will help you and your doctor determine your next steps. If you are unsure of what your blood test results mean, you may find Understanding Your Blood Tests helpful. 2. Prevent the Spread to Others. Hepatitis B can be transmitted to others through blood and bodily fluids, but there is a safe and effective vaccine that can protect your loved ones from hepatitis B. You should also be aware of how to protect your loved ones to avoid passing the infection to family and household members and sexual partners. 3. Find a Physician. If you have been diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B, it is important to find a doctor that has expertise in treating liver disease. We maintain a searchable physician directory database to help you find a liver specialist near you.  4. Educate Yourself. Get the facts about hepatitis B, including what it is, who gets it, and possible symptoms, starting with What is Hepatitis B.    How the Hepatitis B Foundation Can Help 1. Our Help lines are available to answer questions you may have about hepatitis B. Please note that our Help Lines are NOT a substitute for medical care.  2. Our Physician Directory can help you find a liver specialist near you. 3. Our Drug Watch lists approved medicines and promising new treatments for hepatitis B. 4. Our list of Clinical Trials for hepatitis B provides you an opportunity to volunteer to test promising new treatments. 5. Sign up for our free e-newsletter to get our monthly update on hepatitis B advocacy, research, and more.

    https://www.hepb.org/prevention-and-diagnosis/newly-diagnosed/