Hepatitis is a liver disease caused by inflammation or infection, often by viruses. There are six types of hepatitis viruses: A, B, C, D, E, and G. Of these, hepatitis B and C are associated with a higher risk of liver cancer.

• Hepatitis B is the most common type and is transmitted through infected blood or bodily fluids. These show mild to severe symptoms.
• Hepatitis C often doesn't show symptoms, making it difficult to detect.

Hepatitis B is a significant cause of liver cancer in the U.S. It often shows mild or no symptoms initially, leading to chronic infection without noticeable signs. Chronic hepatitis B can silently damage the liver over many years, often going unnoticed until significant harm has occurred.

Around 30% of those exposed to hepatitis C will clear the virus naturally, but for most, it leads to chronic hepatitis C. This ongoing infection can cause liver inflammation, leading to cirrhosis and an increased risk of liver cancer, as well as an elevated likelihood of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma and head and neck cancers.

Unlike hepatitis A and B, there is currently no vaccine for hepatitis C. The virus also mutates quickly, making vaccine development complex. However, understanding the risk factors and undergoing regular screening is essential for preventing hepatitis C-related cancers. Effective treatment can reduce the risk of liver cancer by up to 75%.

Understanding how hepatitis B and C are transmitted and staying informed about screening and vaccination can help reduce the risk of liver cancer.