Dr Shruti Arora

Hepatitis B and C: Understanding the Link to Cancer.

Hepatitis B and C are serious health issues affecting millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 296 million people had chronic hepatitis B in 2019, and about 58 million had chronic hepatitis C in 2020. These infections not only harm the liver but also increase the risk of liver cancer and other serious conditions. This article explains what hepatitis is, the different types of hepatitis viruses, and how hepatitis B and C are linked to cancer. Understanding these viruses and taking preventive steps can help you protect your health and reduce the risk of serious complications.

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that is caused by a variety of infectious viruses and noninfectious agents leading to a range of health problems

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that is caused by a variety of infectious viruses and noninfectious agents leading to a range of health problems including cancer

Enlarge Image

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver. Inflammation is swelling that happens when tissues of the body are injured or infected. This swelling and damage can affect how well your liver functions.

Hepatitis can be an acute (short-term) infection or a chronic (long-term) infection. Some types of hepatitis cause only acute infections. Other types can cause both acute and chronic infections of the liver, usually caused by a viral infection. 

What Are the Different Types of Hepatitis Viruses?

There are six types of hepatitis viruses: A, B, C, D, E, and G. Among these, hepatitis B and C are particularly concerning due to their strong association with cancer.

What Exactly is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a virus that targets the liver, leading to inflammation and potential long-term damage. It’s highly contagious and can be either acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).

What Are the Symptoms of Hepatitis B?

Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may include:

  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • Dark urine
  • Abdominal pain
  • Sometimes, especially in children, there may be no symptoms at all.

How is Hepatitis B Diagnosed and Treated?

Most Hepatitis B infections clear up on their own, hence follow-ups are recommended. In case of chronic infection, treatment is diagnosed through blood tests. Treatments include antiviral medications that help reduce the virus’s activity and prevent liver damage. In some cases, liver transplantation may be necessary for severe liver damage.

What Exactly is Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis C virus. It’s known for its tendency to remain asymptomatic in its early stages, often leading to chronic liver disease.

What Are the Symptoms of Hepatitis C?

Most people with hepatitis C don’t have symptoms at first. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

  • Fatigue
  • Jaundice
  • Dark urine
  • Abdominal pain

How is Hepatitis C Diagnosed and Treated?

Diagnosis involves blood tests to detect the presence of the virus. Modern antiviral medications can cure most cases of hepatitis C, significantly reducing the risk of severe liver disease.

How do people get HBV and HCV?

Hepatitis B and C spread through:

  • Sexual contact with an infected person
  • Sharing syringes or needles
  • Contaminated medical or dental equipment
  • Hepatitis B can spread through unprotected sex. Hepatitis C can also spread this way, but it’s less common. Both viruses can be passed from a mother to her baby during birth.
  • Healthcare workers might be exposed if they accidentally get a needle stick or sharp injury from someone with hepatitis B or C.
  • Hepatitis B and C are not spread by casual contact like hugging, shaking hands, sneezing, or coughing. They are not spread by air, food, or water.

How Do Hepatitis B and C Increase Cancer Risk?

Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) are viral infections that primarily affect the liver, leading to inflammation, fibrosis, and potentially severe liver damage. Both infections significantly increase the risk of developing liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Understanding the mechanisms behind this increased risk is crucial for prevention and management.

How Do Chronic Inflammation and Liver Damage Contribute?

  • Both HBV and HCV cause chronic inflammation in the liver. Persistent inflammation leads to liver cell damage and attempts at repair, resulting in fibrosis and cirrhosis over time.

 

  • Cirrhosis, characterized by extensive scarring of the liver, significantly increases the risk of developing HCC. Up to 20% of individuals with chronic HCV and about 15-40% with chronic HBV may develop cirrhosis.

How Does Viral Integration and Genetic Changes Play a Role?

  • HBV can integrate its DNA into the host’s genome. This integration can disrupt normal cellular functions and promote genetic mutations, increasing the likelihood of cancerous cell transformations.

 

  • While HCV does not integrate into the host genome, it can still induce genetic mutations and chromosomal instability through indirect mechanisms like oxidative stress and chronic inflammation.

How Do Immune Evasion and Immune System Suppression Increase Risk?

  • Both viruses have strategies to evade the host immune system, allowing them to persist and cause prolonged liver damage.

 

  • Chronic HBV infection, for instance, can suppress immune responses, further facilitating liver damage and increasing cancer risk.

What Factors Contribute to Worsening Liver Damage?

Co-infection with other viruses such as HIV, lifestyle factors like alcohol abuse, and comorbid conditions such as obesity can worsen liver damage and increase the risk of developing Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC).

Hepatocellular Carcinoma is a type of liver cancer that originates in the liver cells (hepatocytes). It often arises in the context of chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis caused by hepatitis infections or other liver conditions. Addressing these risk factors through preventive measures and effective management is crucial in reducing the likelihood of developing HCC.

What Other Cancers Are Linked to Hepatitis B and C?

Bile Duct Cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma):

Chronic HBV and HCV infections can increase the risk of bile duct cancer, although this is less common than liver cancer. The persistent inflammation and scarring in the bile ducts can lead to mutations and cancerous changes.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma:

Studies have shown an association between HCV infection and an increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The chronic immune stimulation caused by the virus is believed to contribute to the development of this type of cancer.

What Is the Role of Cirrhosis in Cancer Development?

  • Cirrhosis is the end stage of chronic liver disease resulting from persistent liver inflammation and damage.
  • It creates a pro-carcinogenic environment by causing continuous liver cell death and regeneration, leading to DNA damage and mutations.
  • Individuals with cirrhosis have a markedly increased risk of developing HCC. Cirrhosis can also lead to portal hypertension, liver failure, and other complications.

How Can I Tell If I Have Liver Cancer? What Are the Symptoms?

Liver cancer often remains asymptomatic in its early stages. As it progresses, you might experience:

  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Upper abdominal pain or swelling
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea and vomiting

 

How Can I Prevent Hepatitis B and C from Leading to Cancer?

Preventing liver cancer involves a combination of vaccination, regular screenings, effective treatments, and healthy lifestyle choices.

What Role Does Vaccination and Early Detection Play?

  • Vaccination against HBV is a highly effective way to prevent HBV infections and subsequent liver cancer.
  • Regular screening for HCV and HBV in high-risk populations helps in early detection and treatment, reducing the risk of chronic liver disease and cancer.

Are There Effective Antiviral Treatments for Hepatitis B and C?

  • Yes, effective antiviral treatments are available for both HBV and HCV. For HBV, antiviral medications like tenofovir and entecavir help suppress the virus, while direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) can cure HCV in most cases.
  • Early and sustained antiviral treatment reduces inflammation and fibrosis, lowering the risk of HCC.

What Lifestyle Changes Can Help Reduce My Risk?

Avoiding alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing conditions like diabetes can help mitigate additional risk factors for liver damage.

A Message to Those Who've Recently Been Diagnosed with Hepatitis B & C

If you have hepatitis B or C, don’t worry. Early treatment can help control the infection and prevent serious liver damage and complications.

Hepatitis B and C can cause chronic liver damage and increase cancer risk. By understanding these viruses, taking preventive steps, and seeking early treatment, you can better protect your health and reduce serious complications.

Dr. Shruti Arora, a respected Medical Oncologist and Hemato-oncologist in Mumbai, highlights the importance of regular screenings and tailored treatment plans to manage hepatitis B and C effectively. Addressing these infections early can help prevent severe liver damage and lower cancer risk.

If you are at risk or have been diagnosed with cancer, getting expert care from specialists like Dr. Shruti Arora can be crucial in protecting your health and improving your quality of life.



What Lifestyle Changes Can Help Reduce My Risk?

Preventing liver cancer involves a combination of vaccination, regular screenings, effective treatments, and healthy lifestyle choices.

 

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that uses powerful chemicals…

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps your….

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy for cancer, also known as hormonal therapy or…

Targeted Therapy

Traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy often attack…

Palliative Care

Cancer and cancer treatment often cause physical symptoms and…

Preventive Oncology

Preventive oncology focuses on identifying individuals with…

Genomics and Molecular Oncology

The fight against cancer is changing. Dr. Shruti, a leading…

Book An Appointment

Services Form

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Shruti today to discuss your treatment options.

Contact Form

What Our Patients Say