Screening
Regular screening for liver cancer and early detection are the most effective ways to improve treatment success and survival rates. Early detection of liver cancer results in more treatment options, which greatly improves the chances of survival after initial diagnosis. This is why regular liver cancer screening is so important.
Early Detection Saves Lives
For people living with chronic hepatitis B infections, early detection of liver cancer greatly improves the chances of survival after treatment. For patients in whom liver cancer is detected at an early stage and before symptoms occur - while the tumor is small and can be surgically removed - the 5-year survival rate can sometimes be more than 50%.
If you have cirrhosis or other known risk factors for liver cancer, make sure your health care provider screens you for liver cancer during your medical visits, before you have any symptoms. Finding the cancer early may increase the chance of successful treatment. Your health care provider may refer you to a hepatologist, a doctor who specializes in liver diseases. Hepatologists have the most experience in managing chronic hepatitis B and C infections, including regular screening for liver cancer.