This World Hepatitis Testing Week, we’re urging Australians to talk to their GP or call HepLink to find out if they should be tested for hepatitis.
Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are leading causes of liver cancer, yet millions remain undiagnosed. In Australia alone, nearly 300,000 people are living with these infections, placing them at an increased risk of liver disease and cancer. Approximately 1 in 4 people with hepatitis B and 1 in 5 with hepatitis C are undiagnosed and unaware of their infection.
"Nearly 1000 people in Australia die every year from hepatitis B and hepatitis C," said Lucy Clynes, CEO of Hepatitis Australia. "They shouldn’t have to."
“Hepatitis B has effective treatments and a vaccine, and hepatitis C is curable and preventable.”
This week is World Hepatitis Testing Week, a global initiative aimed at encouraging everyone to get tested for hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Early detection is crucial in reducing the risk of liver cancer, and testing is the first step toward accessing life-saving care.
“Hepatitis C is transmitted through contact with infected blood. This can occur by sharing injecting equipment or getting backyard tattoos. It can also spread through sharing personal items like toothbrushes, razors, or nail files.”
“Hepatitis B is most often contracted at birth or during early childhood. Adults can also get it through blood contact or unprotected sex. In Australia, everyone born after the year 2000 or who has not been vaccinated should think about getting tested for hepatitis B.”
“People often don’t feel sick for many years with hepatitis B or hepatitis C, but then they may get really sick from liver disease or liver cancer. This is why early detection is so important.”
HepLink Australia links anyone, anywhere in Australia to hepatitis information, support and treatment.
Call 1800 437 222 or visit www.heplink.au.
Join us in spreading the word: Get informed, get tested, and together we can eliminate hepatitis!
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