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28 Jul 2013 |
World Hepatitis Day 2013: ASIAHEP Hong Kong and FPAHK advocate "Fourth High" Campaign
(Hong Kong, July 28, 2013) ASIAHEP Hong Kong Ltd, a world-renowned charitable organization in combating viral hepatitis B infection, has been working closely with The Family Planning Association of Hong Kong (FPAHK), an authoritative organization with the mission to promote sexual and reproductive health for local individuals and families, on viral hepatitis B assessments. Over the years, FPAHK has been providing “Pre-marital Check-up” service which includes screening for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) and antibody (anti-HBs) to prevent sexual transmission. Since 2009, ASIAHEP Hong Kong Ltd and FPAHK have identified asymptomatic Hepatitis B carriers to undergo regular assessment, which includes the most important blood test for HBV DNA level, specialist advice and counseling at the FPAHK Hepatitis B Assessment Clinic.
Today, on World Hepatitis Day 2013, ASIAHEP Hong Kong Ltd and FPAHK are joining force to urge every adult to screen for HBsAg. By advocating the “Fourth High” Campaign, they emphasize the importance of high risk men to have regular check-up and assessment on HBV DNA level in order to prevent serious liver diseases.
HBV DNA level assessment is a vital health test
Chronic hepatitis B infection is the leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and it accounts for 80% of HCC cases in Hong Kong [1]. According to data from the Hong Kong Cancer Registry of Hospital Authority, both the incidence rate and mortality rate of liver cancer have remained high over the past 15 years. These persistently high numbers are disappointing since timely and effective antiviral therapy has been well documented to reduce cancer risk.
"Liver cancer is the No. 2 cancer killer among men in Hong Kong [2], with approximately 1,000 death cases every year. Many of whom are in their 40’s, in the prime of life,” said Dr Nancy Leung Wai-yee, the Chairperson of ASIAHEP Hong Kong Ltd and Honorary Medical Consultant of FPAHK. “Clinical experience has shown that the HBV DNA level is higher among middle-aged male patients than their female counterparts, explaining the higher incidence of liver cirrhosis and HCC among men. However, they are less likely to undergo assessment and treatment, indicating a lack of awareness and understanding of their disease. In fact, patients with chronic hepatitis B infection can reduce their risk of liver cancer by 78% [3] by timely treatment” she added.
Even late-stage liver diseases, including cirrhosis and liver cancer, can be asymptomatic. By the time jaundice, fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and weight loss are present, death is eminent. "To avoid chronic hepatitis B becoming a runaway problem, leading to fatal illness, every adult in Hong Kong should undergo testing for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen,” said Dr. Leung. “Anyone tested positive should be closely monitored through regular blood tests, checking the level of HBV DNA to identify active viral replication and hepatitis activity in order to seize the opportunity for antiviral treatment and to prevent liver cancer.”
Testing for the “Fourth High” – the latest safeguard to health
ASIAHEP Hong Kong Ltd and FPAHK advocate the “Fourth High” Campaign, with the aim to identify those with disease progression and risk of complications through monitoring of HBV DNA level and treatment with antiviral therapy.
Dr Susan Fan Yun-sun, Executive Director of FPAHK, said “Middle-aged men play a key role in family planning and are often the breadwinners for their families.” Testing for the ‘Three Highs’: cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose is a well-established health concept in the community, she said. “We want to encourage those with viral hepatitis B infection, especially adult men, to add periodic testing for the ‘Fourth High’, i.e., HBV DNA, to safeguard health.”
Dr. Fan urges those with asymptomatic chronic hepatitis B to take their condition seriously, even though they may feel well. “When liver function is impaired, it impedes the digestion of dietary fat, carbohydrates, proteins, the production of vital proteins, and the breakdown of toxins. Chronic hepatitis can eventually lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Chronic hepatitis B can cause a multitude of health problems and in turn undermine the well-being of the whole family."
“Fourth High” Campaign - Hepatitis B Assessment Promotion Scheme
From July 29, 2013, ASIAHEP and FPAHK will jointly launch the “Fourth High” Campaign – to promote Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) DNA Blood Test. The Test will be offered at a preferential rate to the first 200 registrations on a first-come-first-served basis. For more information, please contact the FPAHK Clinic Services Hotline at 2572-2222 or ASIAHEP Hong Kong Ltd 9440-2739.
Supplementary Information
About World Hepatitis Day
Every year, July 28 is set as World Hepatitis Day and aims to raise global awareness of viral hepatitis and encourage prevention. The World Health Organization endorsed July 28 as World Hepatitis Day to be an annual initiative in 2011, aiming to raise public awareness of hepatitis and achieving a consensus on the solutions required. For further information, please visit: www.who.int/campaigns/hepatitis-day/2013/event/en/index.html
About ASIAHEP Hong Kong
Established in 1996 as a non-profit charitable organization, ASIAHEP Hong Kong Limited is committed to raising public awareness of various hepatitis, in particular chronic hepatitis B, the health impact, the preventive measures and update on available treatment. Please visit our website for information about this organization and liver diseases at www.asiahep.org.hk or download the free apps “MyLiver”.
About The Family Planning Association of Hong Kong
FPAHK, a non-profit organization, advocates, promotes and provides information, education, clinical and counseling services in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Responsible Parenthood for the community. For further information, please visit: www.famplan.org.hk
For Media Enquiries, please contact:
Yvonne Yeung Tel: 9650-4629 Email: yvonne.young@mrogilvy.com
Dorothy Yan Tel: 6201-6369 Email: dorothy.yan@mrogilvy.com
[1] The Chinese University of Hong Kong. URL: http://www.med.cuhk.edu.hk/v7/press/2012/pdf/08aug15c.pdf. Accessed on 19 May 2013.
[2] Hong Kong Cancer Registry (Cancer Statistics in Hong Kong in 2010) URL: http://www3.ha.org.hk/cancereg/Summary%20of%20CanStat%202010.pdf. Accessed on 19 May 2013.
[3] Sung JJY et al., Aliment Pharmacol 2008;28:1067-1077.
