New data reveals deaths in Australia linked to chronic hepatitis B have increased following years of decline, with experts urging those at risk to get tested and receive follow-up care if needed.
Data from the WHO Collaborating Centre at the Doherty Institute shows that liver cancer deaths caused by chronic hepatitis B are increasing.
The data revealed that in 2023, 460 Australians died due to complications from chronic hepatitis B, which is a 10.6 per cent increase in deaths nationally since 2017, following years of gradual decline.
Of these deaths, 82 per cent were attributable to hepatocellular carcinoma – the most common form of liver cancer – caused by a chronic hepatitis B infection.
Most people living with hepatitis B contracted the virus at birth or during early childhood, and many do not experience any symptoms.
If left undetected and untreated, hepatitis B can cause liver damage and, over time, develop into liver cancer.
The Royal Melbourne Hospital professor and WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis director Benjamin Cowie said these deaths could be prevented through increased testing and linking those affected to care.
“In recent years, we have seen an increase in deaths related to chronic hepatitis B, this is partly due to an ageing population but also not enough people receiving the adequate care and treatment they need to manage the virus,” Professor Cowie said.
“Nobody living in Australia should be dying from hepatitis B. We have all the tools available to diagnose hepatitis B through a simple blood test and manage the infection through regular monitoring and anti-viral treatment for those who need it, so that people living with hepatitis B can continue to live long and healthy lives,” he said.
The new data from the Viral Hepatitis Mapping Report shows that only 69 per cent of Australians living with hepatitis B have been diagnosed and only 24.5 per cent of those diagnosed are receiving follow up monitoring or treatment.
Data also indicated that during the past 10 years, nearly half of those with hepatitis B were not provided any monitoring or treatment, showing that a focus is needed in re-engaging people in ongoing care.
Cancer Council Victoria chief executive Todd Harper said more needs to be done to reduce preventable liver cancers caused by chronic hepatitis B infections.
“Liver cancer has one of the lowest survival rates of cancers in Victoria, this is why it’s so critical that we are identifying and addressing risk factors of liver cancer early so that we can stop liver cancer before it develops,” Mr Harper said.
“With over half of all liver cancers caused by a chronic hepatitis infection, it’s critical that we increase our efforts to ensure that everyone at risk of hepatitis B is getting tested and that those living with the virus are supported to receive the necessary care they need to prevent further illness,” he said.
Hepatitis Australia chief executive Lucy Clynes said that Hepatitis B often has no symptoms and isn’t part of routine blood tests, meaning many people don’t know they have it until serious liver damage has occurred.
“Primary care and community organisations working with at-risk populations play an important role in recommending testing and linking individuals to treatment, which can significantly reduce the risk of liver cancer and other serious complications,” Ms Clynes said.
“Anyone looking for information and support on managing hepatitis B can contact HepLink, the national front door to community hepatitis support, at 1800 437 222,” she said.
To find out more about the links between hepatitis B and liver cancer, visit the Cancer Council Victoria website.
Details: cancervic.org.au/cancer-information/screening/hep-b-liver-cancer
