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Hong Kong health authorities renew calls for hepatitis B screening
Officials said hepatitis B affects 5.6% of Hong Kong’s population, and early detection can allow treatment such as surgery before tumors advance.
Hong Kong health authorities renewed calls for early hepatitis B screening and management on World Hepatitis Day, highlighting the risk of late-stage liver cancer when the virus is not caught in time, according to SCMP Economy.
The outlet cited the experience of Hong Kong resident Ms Lam, who reported that her mother had no symptoms before being diagnosed with late-stage liver cancer. Ms Lam said she knew she carried hepatitis B after testing in her twenties and had undergone regular check-ups, which were disrupted during the Covid-19 pandemic.
When she returned for testing in 2024, tests showed a surging viral load and a liver tumor despite her having no pain. The tumor was removed successfully shortly after detection, and she later described taking daily medication with stable blood readings and rebuilding her lifestyle.
SCMP Economy added that hepatitis B affects 5.6% of the city’s population, or about one in 20 people, and urged earlier screening to improve outcomes.