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• Want to Avoid Liver Cancer? There Are Things You Can Control

  Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net We who live with hepatitis B know that avoiding alcohol and cigarettes go a long way toward reducing our risk of liver cancer. But there are new threats emerging. Researchers are finding that obesity, diabetes and developing fatty liver from unhealthy food and a sedentary lifestyle can be just as dangerous to our livers. In a recent study, published in the Journal of Hepatology, researchers found: If you have chronic hepatitis and are obese with a fatty liver, your liver cancer risk increases 1.5 to 4.5 times And, if you have hepatitis B and diabetes, your liver cancer risk climbs two- to three-fold. This is a sobering realization that our lifestyle and our weight matter a lot when it comes to how long we will live. We may like to think we won’t develop liver cancer because our viral load is low or our liver tests don’t show any damage, but sitting all day and over-eating are just as dangerous. While the majority of people who develop liver cancer have severe liver scarring (called cirrhosis) from viral hepatitis, studies are finding a growing number of liver cancers in people who don’t have hepatitis B but do have fatty liver and diabetes. You add fatty liver or diabetes to hepatitis B, and our risk of liver cancer skyrockets. While we may not be able to control our viral loads or hepatitis B infection, we can control our diet and how much we exercise. Eat more fruits and vegetables Studies consistently find that too much fat and sugar increase liver cancer significantly in people living with hepatitis B and C. People who eat lots of proteins and fats can develop fatty liver, which occurs when 10 percent of our livers are made up of fat from unhealthy diets. “There is growing evidence that adherence to a healthy diet plays a role in delaying (liver cancer) development in at-risk populations,” researchers wrote in a recent article published in the September 2015 issue of the Journal of Hepatology. Studies find

  http://www.hepb.org/blog/want-to-avoid-liver-cancer-there-are-things-we-can-control/
• Your Doctor Not Screening You for Liver Cancer? Time for a Talk

  Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net The longer we have hepatitis B, the higher our risk of developing liver cancer. With every decade of life, our liver cancer risk increases 2.7-times, according to a report on Viral Hepatitis in the Elderly published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology. But current medical guidelines don’t spell out exactly when liver cancer testing should begin in many hepatitis B patients who don't have liver damage (cirrhosis) or a family history of liver cancer, and are not of Asian or African descent. Age is clearly an important factor when it comes to liver cancer, “… but current guidelines only provide age-specific recommendations for (liver cancer) surveillance in hepatitis B carriers of Asian ethnicity (men over age 40 and women over age 50),” a team of University of Miami and Veterans Affairs researchers wrote in the journal article. Current medical guidelines are clear that anyone with cirrhosis (liver scarring) should be screened twice a year or more frequently for liver cancer, using ultrasound examinations and an alpha fetoprotein (AFP) test, which is a blood test that is moderately successful at identifying cancerous tumors. There’s good reason for this mandate--about 80 percent of people diagnosed with liver cancer also have cirrhosis. The guidelines also state that patients who have a family history of liver cancer, are co-infected with HIV or hepatitis C or who are young males of African descent should also be tested for cancer at any age. But many of us don’t have those “risk factors,” including cirrhosis, but we are still at risk of liver cancer because we’ve had hepatitis B for decades. Our liver cancer risk is much lower than if we have cirrhosis, but it’s still there. As doctors debate whether these guidelines should be changed to promote earlier screening, here are some questions to review with your doctor to determine if you should be screened for liver cancer: How many years have

  http://www.hepb.org/blog/your-doctor-not-screening-you-for-liver-cancer-time-for-a-talk/
• Get Tested for Liver Cancer, Your Life May Depend on It

  Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month. It may be a sleeper of a event when compared to other health campaigns, but for us who live with viral hepatitis, it’s an uncomfortable but critical reminder of the importance of monitoring our liver health to prevent cancer. Viral hepatitis, especially B and C, are viral infections that can cause liver cancer  (also called hepatocellular carcinoma or HCC.) Researchers are still studying why some people are more prone to liver cancer, but we who live with chronic hepatitis B or C have a 25 to 40 percent lifetime risk of developing liver cancer. The infection, which hijacks our liver cells to manufacture more virus, causes inflammation, scarring and even cancer as the liver cells grow out of control. The longer we are infected with viral hepatitis, the higher our risk of developing liver cancer. While liver cancer often occurs in people with cirrhosis (severe liver scarring), some of us develop cancer without cirrhosis. Liver cancer is also a threat to us who are overweight and have hepatitis B or C. If you have viral hepatitis and are overweight with fatty liver disease, your risk of liver cancer more than doubles. Today, 20 percent of Americans have fatty liver disease (also called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or NAFLD). These are all reasons why we must be willing to save our own life and get checked for liver cancer regularly. Getting screened gives you information about your body. If cancer is present, wouldn’t you rather know about it sooner, when it’s still treatable? Medical guidelines currently recommend regular screening in hepatitis B-infected men starting at age 40 and in women at age 50. But there are also people who should get cancer screening sooner, including: Anyone with cirrhosis and/or a family history of liver cancer People of Asian and Pacific Islander descent. Liver cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer deaths among

  http://www.hepb.org/blog/get-tested-for-liver-cancer-your-life-just-might-depend-on-it/
• Growing Older with Hepatitis B: Prevention and Precautions Still Matter

  Image courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net Most people living with chronic hepatitis B today are over age 50, and like their younger counterparts, they need to prevent spreading hepatitis B to their sexual partners, housemates, and neighbors in assisted living facilities. You’re never too old for safe sex: You may not have to worry about pregnancy any more, but you still need to protect yourself and your partner against sexually transmitted diseases such as hepatitis B. Using a condom (and keeping a barrier between you and potentially infectious body fluids) is essential because many seniors have not been immunized against hepatitis B. The widespread marketing of erectile dysfunction drugs allows for sex by older men, and thinning and dryness of vaginal tissue in older women may raise their risk of infection during intercourse. Seniors see doctors more often than young people, but they're less likely to discuss sex and ask about (or use) safe sex practices. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), syphilis, chlamydia and HIV infections are rising again, and about one-quarter of newly reported HIV infections are in people age 55 and older. If you live with hepatitis B, make sure you practice safe sex and your partner is vaccinated. You’re never too old for the hepatitis B vaccine. However, as our immune systems age, our response to immunizations can weaken. The hepatitis B vaccine contains a single protein (antigen) from the virus. It triggers the immune system to develop antibodies to fight infection if we are ever infected with the real virus. But sometimes, our aging immune systems don’t produce enough antibodies after vaccination to eradicate the infection. If you or your partner are getting immunized against hepatitis B, about one or two months after you get the last dose, see your doctor and get tested for hepatitis B antibodies (called titers). If you don't have enough antibodies to fight infection, you

  http://www.hepb.org/blog/growing-older-with-hepatitis-b-prevention-and-precautions-still-matter/
• When Is That Pain Hep B-related and When Is It Something Else?

  Image courtesy of Ohmega1982 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net When people with chronic hepatitis B experience abdominal pain, we often wonder if it’s related to our liver and if our hepatitis B is getting worse. According to experts, hepatitis B rarely causes abdominal pain. Here are some insights to help you understand what might be behind your abdominal pain when you live with chronic hepatitis B. First, it’s not called the silent infection for nothing. When first infected, most children and nearly 70 percent of adults never experience any direct symptoms from hepatitis B. When people do have symptoms, such as aches, nausea and fever, they usually last for only a few days. Only a very small percentage have symptoms that persist long-term. But chronic hepatitis B is different. Most of us have had this infection since childhood and over time it rarely causes us any symptoms. Usually, disease causes pain, it is nature’s way of telling us that a health problem is getting worse. However, with diseases such as chronic hepatitis B, diabetes or high blood pressure, we often don't feel any symptoms until the disease reaches an advanced state. Why doesn’t an infected liver hurt? The working part of the liver that filters toxins from our blood has nerves, but they lack feeling or sensory function. However, the membrane that encases the liver is sensitive. When the liver becomes injured or inflamed, it enlarges and pushes against the membrane, causing a dull pain. When a doctor probes or pushes an enlarged liver that’s pushing against this membrane, it feels tender. This palpable “pushing” against the membrane is why fatty liver disease, for example, causes abdominal pain, while early-stage hepatitis B (with its minimal liver inflammation) does not. The “fatty” liver is enlarged from the fat that’s accumulated and its accompanying inflammation, it has literally outgrown its membrane. Pain or discomfort from an enlarged liver usually occurs in the

  http://www.hepb.org/blog/when-is-that-pain-hep-b-related-and-when-is-it-something-else/
• Hepatitis B and the U.S. Public Health Corps

  As of Oct. 3, 2022, people living with chronic hepatitis B or HIV can serve in the U.S. Public Health Corps. The change comes after advocacy from the Hepatitis B Foundation and the HIV community. You can read the amendment to the Medical Accession Standards here. What do if you are facing discrimination: If you or someone you know has faced hepatitis B-related discrimination in the military, and to learn more about how you can join us and take action, please contact the Hepatitis B Foundation at discrimination@hepb.org or 215-489-4900.  

  https://www.hepb.org/resources-and-support/know-your-rights/hepatitis-b-and-the-u-s-public-health-corps/
• What is hepatitis B?

  Hepatitis B is the most common serious liver infection in the world. It is a virus that specifically attacks cells in the liver. Globally, there are nearly 300 million people living with chronic hepatitis B. Additionally, it has been estimated that about 2 billion people have been infected with hepatitis B (either acute or chronic). There are other viruses that may attack the liver such as hepatitis A, C, D and E, but each virus is unique. Fortunately, there is a vaccine to prevent new hepatitis B infections and excellent treatments for those that need treatment. Hepatitis B can result in either an acute or chronic infection. When a person is newly infected, it is called an “acute” infection. If the person continues to test positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) for longer than 6 months, then it is considered a chronic infection. Testing is the only way to know for sure if a person is infected with hepatitis B, and if they have acute or chronic infection. Babies and young children are particularly vulnerable to the hepatitis B virus. While ninety percent (90%) of babies and up to 50% of young children will progress to chronic infection with hepatitis B, only up to 10 percent (10%) of healthy adults will progress to chronic infection. (90% of healthy adults will clear acute hepatitis B infections. Most do not require any medication to clear an acute infection.). People are often surprised to learn of their hepatitis B infection because there may be few or no symptoms for decades. They may think they have an acute hepatitis B infection, when, in fact, they were infected as a baby or young child and have a chronic infection. This is because hepatitis B may go unnoticed with no – or few mild – symptoms. The good news is that hepatitis B can be prevented with the safe and effective hepatitis B vaccine. Ideally, ALL babies are vaccinated within 24 hours of birth and complete the vaccine series on schedule, to protect them from hepatitis B for a lifetime. Learn more about the science behind hepatitis B in this short video by Dr. Thomas Tu:    Find more Frequently Asked Questions here.    Page updated 02/09/2022

  https://www.hepb.org/what-is-hepatitis-b/faqs/what-is-hepatitis-b/
• Webinars

  Webinar Recordings Hepatitis B and HIV Screening, Prevention, and Management for African Immigrants and Refugees in the United States: Barriers and Solutions (May 2023) Unlocking Viral Hepatitis Elimination on the African Continent (September 2022) Addressing Myths & Misconceptions about Hepatitis B among African Immigrant Communities around the United States. Co-hosted by CHIPO and Hep B United. (April 2022) - Slides from This Presentation: Dr. Olorunseun Ogunwobi; Dr. Ganiat Sarumi Disu & Mrs. Oluwatoyin Adedokun Understanding Disparities in Hepatitis B and Liver Cancer Knowledge & Screening Rates Among Highly Impacted Communities Around the United States. Co-hosted by CHIPO and Hep B United. (March 2022) - Slides from this presentation found here. Eliminating HIV/AIDS & Hepatitis Inequities Among African Immigrant Communities in the US: A Conversation with Federal & Local Partners (September 2021) Hepatitis B Educational Resources for African Communities. Co-hosted by CHIPO and Hep B United. (May 2021) - Slides from This Presentation: Hepatitis B Educational Resources for People of African Origin (Kari Sapsis); African Services Committee (Danait Yemane) Linkage to Care and Treatment for Persons Living with Chronic Hepatitis B Infection in Dar es-Salaam and Zanzibar, Tanzania. Co-hosted by CHIPO and Hep B United. (March 2021) - Slides from this presentation found here. The Impact of COVID-19 on African Immigrants Living in New England: A PhotoVoice Project (Feb 2021) Hepatitis B in Sub-Saharan Africa. Co-hosted by CHIPO and Hep B United (Feb 2018)

  https://www.hepb.org/research-and-programs/chipo/resources/webinars/
• Planned Giving - 1991 Legacy Society

  Did you know there are ways to make a gift to the Hepatitis B Foundation that may also reduce the amount of taxes you pay or even generate income? Planned giving is a thoughtful, attractive giving strategy for many donors and one you arrange during your lifetime with the benefit to the Hepatitis B Foundation, deferred to a future date. Benefits Ability to: Make larger gifts during your lifetime than otherwise possible. Make a gift while assuring income for yourself, a spouse, a child or to others for whom you wish to make provisions. Create a memorial in your name or that of a loved one. Take advantage of tax benefits, now or in the future.   Gifts Anyone Can Make You can support the Hepatitis B Foundation with gifts that don’t impact the way you live by designating the Hepatitis B Foundation to receive estate assets in the future or by making immediate gifts to us of assets that are “out of sight and out of mind.”We call these “Gifts Anyone Can Make” because anyone can make them now without impacting cash flow, lifestyle, or family security. Life Insurance - You transfer ownership of a paid-up life insurance policy to the Hepatitis B Foundation, making a gift using an asset that you and your family no longer need. You will receive an income tax deduction equal to the cash surrender value of the policy Give through your will or trust - Include a bequest to the Hepatitis B Foundation in your will or trust, using simple language that can be added to your will or trust very easily:  RESIDUAL GIFT LANGUAGE A residual bequest comes to us after your estate expenses and specific bequests are paid: I give and devise to the Hepatitis B Foundation, located in Doylestown, PA, all (or state a percentage) of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, both real and personal, to be used for its general support (or for the support of a specific program). SPECIFIC GIFT LANGUAGENaming the Hepatitis B Foundation as a beneficiary of a specific amount or percentage of your estate is easy:I give and devise to the Hepatitis B Foundation, located in Doylestown, PA, the sum of $___________ (%) to be used for its general support (or for the support of a specific program).   Gifts That Pay You Income Did you know there’s a gift to the Hepatitis B Foundation that returns payments to you? Yes, the IRS allows and encourages these creative plans that can stretch your giving ability. These “Gifts That Pay You Back” help you make a substantial gift to the Foundation while increasing your income. Charitable Gift Annuity - You transfer cash or securities to the Hepatitis B Foundation. Our minimum gift requirement is $10,000. In return, you receive dependable, fixed income for life, regardless of fluctuations in the market, and receive an immediate tax deduction for a portion of your gift. Deferred Gift Annuity – Similar to a CGA, beginning on a specified date in the future, the Hepatitis B Foundation begins to pay you, or up to two annuitants you name, fixed annuity payments for life. Deferral of payments permits a higher annuity rate and generates a larger charitable deduction. Gifts That Protect Your Legacy Increased income may not be your primary objective. Instead, you may be wondering how you will deal with some highly appreciated property or a growing family business as your needs and lifestyle change. Will taxes consume much of the value that you have worked so hard to grow? Will anything be left for you and your family? Charitable Lead Trust - You contribute securities or other appreciating assets to a Charitable Lead Trust. The trust makes annual payments to the Hepatitis B Foundation for a period of time. In return, income payments to us for a term reduce the ultimate tax cost of transferring an asset to your heirs. CONTACT US For more information on how to set up a planned gift, contact:Jean HolmesVice President, Institutional AdvancementJean.Holmes@hepb.org, 215-489-4946 The Hepatitis B Foundation partners with the Univest Foundation for some planned giving tools. Go to UnivestFoundation.org to get more information. Your interest and generosity are deeply appreciated. Please consult your financial planner and/or lawyer for specific legal, tax, or investment questions.  

  https://www.hepb.org/donate/planned-giving/
• Post-Exposure Treatment for Hepatitis B

  Hepatitis B Post-Exposure Treatment If an uninfected, unvaccinated person - or anyone who does not know their hepatitis B status - is exposed to the hepatitis B virus through contact with infected blood, a timely “postexposure prophylaxis” (PEP) can prevent an infection and subsequent development of a chronic infection or liver disease. This means a person should seek immediate medical attention to start the hepatitis B vaccine series. In some circumstances a drug called “hepatitis B immune globulin” (HBIG) is recommended in addition to the hepatitis B vaccine for added protection. If you have been recently exposed to bodily fluids and are concerned about hepatitis B, please reach out to your health care provider as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is best).You can also contact your health department or Viral Hepatitis Prevention Coordinator for help accessing HBIG, as most health care providers don’t carry HBIG in their offices. Key Points: Any person who is uninfected/unvaccinated or does not know their hepatitis B status should receive “postexposure prophylaxis” after contact with potentially infected blood. Neither pregnancy nor breastfeeding should be considered a contraindication to administration of the hepatitis B vaccination and HBIG to women. Employers are required to establish exposure-control plans that include follow-up for their employees and to comply with incident reporting requirements mandated by the 1992 OSHA bloodborne pathogen standard. Learn more about this topic from the CDC. Read this article published by the HBF public health team: Freeland C, Cohen C, Collier M. (2018). Public health response to hepatitis B exposure: A case study on gaps and opportunities to improve postexposure care. Infectious Disease in Clinical Practice; 26(4):185-186. Learn more about this topic. 

  https://www.hepb.org/prevention-and-diagnosis/post-exposure-treatment/