The Silent Epidemic

Chronic viral hepatitis is often referred to as the silent epidemic. World wide 400,000,000 people are chronically infected with Hepatitis B infection and 180,000,000 people are chronically infected with Hepatitis C infection. Chronic viral hepatitis B and C are the leading causes of liver cancer. Liver cancer is the 3rd leading cause of cancer related death world wide. In the western hemisphere, particularly the United States, epidemic levels of obesity will cause a second wave of liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.

World Distribution of Hepatitis B Infection

400,000,000 people world wide are chronically infected with hepatitis B. Regions in red are where at least 10% of the population is chronically infected.

World Distribution of Hepatitis C Infection

180,000,000 people world wide are chronically infected with hepatitis C. Regions in red are where at least 10% of the population is chronically infected.

World Distribution of Liver Cancer

Mirroring hepatitis B and C infection, almost 600,000 people a year develop liver cancer. Over 70% of patients are diagnosed with advanced stage cancer with a 5 year survival of 10%.