To stem cancer scourge, an Oncologist, Dr Patrick Omogbohun, has called for concerted efforts of stakeholders to raise awareness, expand equitable access to prevention, testing, treatment, and care of hepatitis.
Omogbohun, the Medical Director, Mercy Way Medical Centre, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in commemoration of the 2026 World Hepatitis Day with the theme: “Hepatitis: Let’s break it down”.
NAN reports that the day is observed annually on July 28, to raise awareness of viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that causes severe liver disease and liver cancer.
Omogbohun, who described viral hepatitis as inflammation of the liver caused by a group of viruses known as Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E virus, dentified lack of awareness as a major contributor to hepatitis/liver cancer statistics.
According to him, globally, viral hepatitis causes 80 per cent of deaths from liver cancer which is diagnosed in more than 800,000 people annually.
He added that liver cancer was also a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, accounting for over 700,000 deaths each year (over 1,900 deaths daily) saying that in Nigeria, 14 people die of liver cancer every day.
He explained that viral hepatitis was one of the most contagious diseases in the world, but with better awareness and understanding of its preventive measures, much of the life-threatening conditions caused by disease be eliminated.
“Worldwide, 290 million people are living with viral hepatitis unaware.
“Globally, infection with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) or Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is the main cause of liver cancer.
“The tools needed to eliminate viral hepatitis already exist.
“Effective vaccines, accurate diagnostics, curative treatments for hepatitis C, and lifelong therapies for hepatitis B can prevent infections, save lives, and reduce liver cancer.
“In spite of this, millions of people remain undiagnosed, untreated, or unable to access care due to stigma, limited awareness, health system gaps, and persistent inequalities.
“Hence the need for concerted actions to remove the barriers that stand between people and the services that can save their lives,” he said.
Omogbohun noted that hepatitis and liver cancer were largely preventable.
He explained that most cases of hepatitis were asymptomatic, saying that when symptoms did occur, they may include yellow skin or eyes (jaundice), nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue and fever.
He emphasised that one of the most successful ways of preventing hepatitis was vaccination against hepatitis B.
According to him, the first dose is now being given at birth; the vaccine is safe and effective, protecting from HBV infection for life and preventing the development of chronic disease and liver cancer due to HBV.
“Other preventive measure include avoid sharing of sharp objects like needles, toothbrushes, razors or nail scissors and screening of blood donation products.
“Safer sex practices, including minimising the number of partners and using barrier protective measures (condoms), also protect against transmission.
“Screening and early diagnosis can prevent health problems that may result from viral hepatitis infection and prevent transmission of the virus.
“Treatment with drugs, including oral antiviral agents can decrease the risk of liver cancer,” he said.(NAN)
