I know it's kind of off the topic, but you may have been hearing the news about testing for hepatitis C.
The news isn't really new - what's new is that the public is finally being informed. For years physicians have known that hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver cancer - and the leading cause of liver transplants.
So why would I bring it up here for people with lung cancer and other cancers?
There are a few reasons. A history of hepatitis C in someone with lung cancer could compromise liver function and therefore make treatment with some drugs not a good idea. But mostly I bring it up to raise awareness of the risks and who should be tested.
Knowing how significant the problem of hepatitis C is, who is at risk?
Risk factors include:
- Having had a blood transfusion (before testing was available)
- Using IV street drugs
- Long term dialysis
- Acupuncture or tattoos under unsterile conditions
- Sharing items with someone with hepatitis C such as toothbrushes or razors
- Unprotected sex with someone with heptatitis C
If you meet any of these criteria or know of anyone who does, please spread the word. Treatment is available for those who are carriers of the hepatitis C virus that can reduce the likelihood of liver cancer, and for those close to them, reduce the risk of developing the disease themselves.
02 Nov, 2013
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Source: http://lungcancer.about.com/b/2013/11/02/testing-for-hepatitis-c-the-importance-for-people-with-cancer.htm
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