{
  "id": 746663,
  "title": "Hepatitis B linked to 75% of liver cancer cases in Ghana – Expert",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/hepatitis-b-linked-to-75-of-liver-cancer-cases-in-ghana-expert",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-08-13T07:43:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ghanaian Times",
    "slug": "ghanaian-times",
    "url": "https://ghanaiantimes.com.gh/hepatitis-b-linked-to-75-of-liver-cancer-cases-in-ghana-expert/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A Gastroenterologist in Ghana, Dr Eileen Akonobea Micah, has revealed that 75% of liver cancer cases in her country are caused by chronic hepatitis B infection. Most of the affected patients are in their prime working years and only seek medical attention once the cancer has progressed to a stage where only palliative care can be offered, extending their lives by a mere three to six months. Dr Micah recounted a tragic case of two brothers in their late twenties who succumbed to liver cancer within three months of each other, while two other siblings who also have hepatitis B are currently undergoing treatment.\n\nThe commemoration of World Hepatitis Day in Accra served as the backdrop for Dr Micah's revelation. The annual event, observed on July 28, aims to heighten awareness of viral hepatitis, a leading cause of liver cancer and liver-related deaths worldwide. This year's theme, 'Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down,' encourages nations to overcome the barriers that hinder people from accessing vital hepatitis prevention, testing, and treatment services.\n\nGhana, according to Dr Micah, has one of the highest rates of liver cancer in Africa. Data from the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) 2024 indicates that liver cancer ranks second among men and fourth among women in the country. This underscores the urgency for increased screening and early treatment initiatives. The President of the Ghana Association for the Study of Liver and Digestive Diseases (GASLIDD) called for the decentralization of hepatitis B treatment, akin to the approach taken for hepatitis C, to enhance access to care and aid Ghana in meeting the World Health Organisation's (WHO) goal of treating at least 80% of eligible hepatitis patients by 2030. She also emphasized the importance of regular hepatitis B screenings, cautioning that the infection often remains symptom-free until severe liver damage has occurred. She advised that early diagnosis and treatment are the most effective ways to prevent liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and premature deaths associated with hepatitis B.\n\nViral hepatitis, a liver inflammation, can result in chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. The five primary types of viral hepatitis are A, B, C, D, and E, with hepatitis B and C being responsible for the majority of chronic infections. Symptoms may include fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, dark urine, pale-colored stools, joint pain, and jaundice. However, many infected individuals may not experience symptoms until the disease has advanced. Viral hepatitis is typically transmitted through contact with infected blood or other bodily fluids. Effective vaccines are available to prevent hepatitis A and B.",
  "summary": "About three out of every four liver cancer cases diagnosed in Ghana are linked to chronic hepatitis B infection, a Gastroenterologist, Dr Eileen Akonobea Micah, has disclosed. She said most patients who developed the disease were often in their productive years, with the majority reporting to hospital only after the cancer had advanced, leaving them … The post Hepatitis B linked to 75% of liver…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}