The sixth most common and fastest growing cause of cancer-related death in Victoria is highly preventable. More than half of all liver cancer cases are linked to viral hepatitis, but together, we’re changing this.
Even though it’s a Group 1 carcinogen – the same as asbestos and tobacco – viral hepatitis has been largely overlooked in cancer control efforts. We are determined to turn this around by bridging the gap between the infectious diseases and the cancer sectors. By coming together in this way, we can share ideas, strategies and partnerships – and ultimately save lives.
Your support has taken our advocacy work in hepatitis and liver cancer to the world stage and leading the charge is Liver Cancer Program Senior Manager, Charissa Feng.
“Along with presenting at national and international health conferences and contributing to a ground-breaking white paper, ‘Beating Cancer Through Hepatitis Elimination’, we’re also extremely focused on what’s happening in our own backyard,” said Charissa.
Cancer Council Victoria supporter Rev. Dr Ruth Redpath AO is proudly getting behind this work; “Meaningful change must happen close to home and at a grassroots level. That’s why I chose to support this micro-elimination program in the western suburbs, engaging with vibrant multi-cultural communities with high hepatitis B prevalence.”
By working alongside these priority communities to increase access to care and treatment for those living with hepatitis B, we can make a real difference in bringing down liver cancer cases.
“We’re committed to co-designing solutions with local health and community organisations, building their capacity to support patients through regular hepatitis B monitoring,” said Charissa.
This vital work is also proudly supported by the ERDI Foundation, a charitable foundation with strong roots in Melbourne's multicultral community. “This partnership reflects our commitment to funding strategic initiatives designed to address intergenerational disadvantage across migrant communities in Australia who are inequitably affected by liver cancer,” shared ERDI Foundation CEO Simone Szalmuk-Singer.
Thanks to your support, we’re committed to building on this work as we make real change, bridge worlds and save lives.
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Liver cancer is the fastest-rising cancer in Victoria. With little or no symptoms, liver cancer is often detected at the very late stage where treatment or transplants are not an option.
This is why early detection of risk factors for liver cancer, such as viral hepatitis or cirrhosis, and linkage to care, help prevent the progression into liver cancer.
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