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Prevention and early detection of cancer

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Prevention and early detection of cancer

Hepatitis vaccination today - prevention of liver cancer in the future

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver, causing both acute and chronic diseases. It can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Infection with hepatitis B can cause liver cancer. The good news is that there are available vaccines to protect against the virus and other preventive measures to reduce the risk of liver cancer.

The link between liver cancer and hepatitis B virus

Research shows that up to 15% of all liver cancer cases worldwide are related to hepatitis B virus. Most people who are infected with the virus are unaware that they are infected and do not receive treatment to prevent liver cancer.

Hepatitis B is a virus that can lead to chronic liver infection. It can be transmitted through sexual contact, sharing of needles or other equipment for drug injection, or from mother to child during birth.

Ways of transmitting hepatitis B

The virus is transmitted through the infected person's body fluids: ● Blood ● Menstrual and vaginal secretions ● Semen ● SalivaYou can become infected through:● Non-sterile medical equipment ● Non-sterile equipment for manicures, pedicures, and tattoos● Unprotected sexual contact

The signs and symptoms of hepatitis B vary depending on age. Most infected children or adults with a weakened immune system do not show symptoms, but 30 to 50% of people over five years old experience symptoms such as fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and nausea. If you have chronic hepatitis B, you may have no symptoms, or you may have signs of cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) or liver cancer.

Signs of Hepatitis B

Yellowing of the skin and eyes

Darkening of urine

Excessive fatigue

Nausea and vomiting

Abdominal pain

Prevention of Hepatitis B

The best way to prevent Hepatitis B is through vaccination. Today, there is a safe and effective vaccine available for protection against Hepatitis B. Doctors recommend that all children receive the first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine at birth. Children under 18 should also receive the vaccine if they have not already received it. The vaccine is also available for adults over the age of 18 who are at high risk for Hepatitis B infection.

How to protect yourself from Hepatitis B

The only reliable protection is vaccination!

You can choose to receive a vaccine only for Hepatitis B, or a combined vaccine for both Hepatitis B and A.

If you or your child have missed a vaccination according to the schedule, please contact your family doctor and get it done as soon as possible!

Talk to your family doctor about vaccinating yourself and your children to prevent liver cancer and other health problems.

Regional Public Health Centers often organize campaigns and offer free testing for citizens to detect the presence of Hepatitis B. Keep an eye on the activities of the Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and inquire about this opportunity: https://www.phc.org.ua/