CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) – “Prevention is key to combating liver disease. Not only should we take care of our heart, but also our liver because it is one of the largest organs in our body,” physician Tristan Jediah Labitad, head of the non-communicable disease culture at the Department of Health (DOH) Center for Health Development Northern Mindanao said in the latest episode of Talakayan sa PIA media forum.
He encouraged people to prioritize their liver health. Since it is an integral part of the body system, neglecting it could significantly affect the body.
Dr. Labitad first explained the connection between liver cancer and viral hepatitis.
“Si viral hepatitis, virus na siya nga maka-cause in the long run sa chronic infection, eventually maka-lead sa imong liver to develop liver cancer. Mao ni atong gitawag ug liver cirrhosis, mo-resulta ana.”
(Viral hepatitis is a virus that can cause, in the long run, chronic infection, eventually leading to develop liver cancer. This is what we call liver cirrhosis.)
While the exact causes of liver cancer remain uncertain, studies have shown strong links between chronic Hepatitis B and C infections and liver cancer. Dr. Labitad made it clear that viral infections can be accumulated through unprotected sexual contact, sharing of contaminated needles, and exposure to infected blood.
“Kung naay Hepa B ang usa ka tao, labi na sa mga illegal drug user, ang paggamit og infected needles pwede maka-cause og infection,” he said.
(If a person has Hepatitis B, especially among illegal drug users, the use of infected needles can cause infection.)
He also highlighted non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which affects individuals who are obese or overweight.
“Even if they don’t drink alcohol, they are still at risk of fatty liver. If left untreated, NAFLD can progress to cirrhosis and, eventually, liver cancer. A healthy diet and active lifestyle prevent NAFLD and its complications,” he said.
The Department of Health (DOH) offers assistance programs to support individuals at risk or diagnosed with liver-related diseases.
For cancer in general, screening tests and vaccines, such as the HPV vaccine, are vital tools. While HPV vaccines are often associated with cervical cancer, Labitad noted that they can also be effective for men.
For individuals diagnosed with cancer, where treatment can be prohibitively expensive, the DOH offers the Cancer Assistance Fund and the Medicine Access Program. These initiatives provide free screenings, medical check-ups, and treatment for eligible patients. In Northern Mindanao, these services are accessible at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center in Cagayan de Oro City and the Amai Pakpak Medical Center in Marawi City.
By promoting awareness, encouraging preventive practices, and ensuring access to essential healthcare services, the DOH aims to reduce the burden of liver diseases and improve the overall well-being of communities. (ALAO/PIA-10)
