I’m living with hepatitis B, what should I do to reduce my risk of developing liver cancer?
There are several ways you could reduce your risk of liver cancer. First, start by learning about hepatitis B, and what people living with hepatitis B should do regularly to maintain a healthy liver.
- Make sure to visit your doctor regularly to check your liver enzymes (ALT/AST), viral load (HBV DNA), platelet count and other liver function tests along with an ultrasound (every 6 months or at least annually). Ask your doctor about using simple blood tests to look at your Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB-4) for liver fibrosis.
- Discuss treatment with antivirals with your doctor. (First line antivirals include tenofovir (TDF), tenofovir (TAF) and entecavir). These antivirals are effective at suppressing and controlling the virus, reducing liver damage resulting from the inflammatory response to the virus, and lowering the risk of developing liver cancer. Learn here about other important questions to ask your doctor.
- Make healthy lifestyle choices! You can make lifestyle choices that will put you in control during your journey with hepatitis B. You can support your liver by not drinking alcohol, not smoking and maintaining a healthy weight by eating a well-balanced diet and getting regular exercise. Here is some information on how to maintain a healthy liver. You may want to listen to this podcast about what a person with hepatitis B should eat, and you may find this guide helpful. Also be very careful with other prescription and over-the-counter medications or herbal remedies and supplements. Herbal remedies and supplements are not tested or regulated for purity and safety. Some supplements and herbs can do more harm than good.
- Join the Hep B Community! There, you will be able to engage online in discussions with scientists, clinicians, and people living with chronic hepatitis B from around the world, exchanging ideas, and experiences and knowledge about hepatitis B.
Find more Frequently Asked Questions here.
Page updated 12/27/2022