Janssen study finds huge lack of liver cancer awareness

Only 15% of respondents in a new survey by Janssen were aware that the main cause of liver cancer is viral hepatitis. Liver cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer worldwide.

The survey was commissioned by the J&J pharmaceutical company, with the support of the World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA), the European Liver Patients Association (ELPA) and the International Liver Cancer Association (ILCA) to mark October's Liver Cancer Awareness Month. It involved more than 5000 members of the general public and was conducted in Russia, Spain, Turkey and the UK.

More than half (56%) of respondents were incorrect or uncertain about symptoms, prevention and treatment of hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

"Viral hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus which can lead to short-term, or acute infection. Hepatitis B, C and D infection can however also cause chronic hepatitis, long-term infection that can lead to life-threatening complications such as cirrhosis (liver scarring), liver failure, and liver cancer. Currently, up to 90% of people with hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection are unaware that they have the condition."

Professor Peter R. Galle, Co-President of the International Liver Cancer Association.

"The lack of public awareness of viral hepatitis is of grave concern. To drive improvements in testing and diagnosis rates, improved public awareness about the virus is necessary so that people can assess whether they have been at risk of infection, and come forward for testing."

Achim Kautz, Policy Director, European Liver Patients Association.

Liver Cancer Awareness Month (LCAM) is an annual international health campaign organised by liver cancer charities, patient groups and other related organisations every October. It is intended to increase awareness of the diseases contributing to liver cancer, the relevant preventative interventions and to raise funds for further research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.