This World Hepatitis Day we are focussing on testing. Early detection of viral hepatitis is vital to prevent avoidable deaths, like those caused by liver cancer.
Hepatitis B increases liver cancer risk by 1,520%, and hepatitis C increases the risk by 1,280% – compared to smoking which increases the risk of lung cancer by 600%.* Yet many people are unaware of the link between viral hepatitis and cancer, or of the other health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease which are also associated with it.
This special alert focusses on these related conditions, highlighting the need for people living with viral hepatitis to be aware of their condition and receive the care that they need.
You can view our previous special alert about viral hepatitis testing here.
* Beating cancer through hepatitis elimination: working together to reduce NCDs. World Hepatitis Alliance, Geneva, 2025.
Beating cancer through hepatitis elimination: working together to reduce NCDs
World Hepatitis Alliance, Geneva, 2025. 13p.
Liver cancer is the third most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide, with the majority of liver cancer cases caused by viral hepatitis. Despite this, action to incorporate funded hepatitis interventions into cancer control strategies has been slow, with the number of liver cancer cases caused by hepatitis expected to double by 2040.
Roadmap to liver cancer control in Australia
Cancer Council Australia, Sydney, 2023. 19p.
Developed to reduce the disease burden, improve outcomes and improve survival rates for all Australians affected by liver cancer.
Risk factors (for liver cancer)
Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown PA, 2025. Webpage.
Provides information about the major risk factors for liver cancer – hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Outlines additional risk factors including cirrhosis, excessive alcohol use and smoking, as well as obesity and diabetes.
Diabetes and hepatitis: what’s the link?
Hepatitis SA, Adelaide, 2024.
Information about why people with hepatitis C are three times more likely to develop diabetes (including the functions of the pancreas and liver).
Liver disease is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular outcomes
European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL), Geneva, 2023. 12p.
Liver disease activity (cT1) measured using LiverMultiScan was independently associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality, independent of pre-existing metabolic syndrome, liver fibrosis or fat.
Can a parent’s HBV affect their newborn’s heart?
Hepatitis SA, Adelaide, 2025.
A pair of Chinese studies have shown evidence that children of parents living with hepatitis B are more likely to be born with a heart defect.
- For more information on viral hepatitis and liver cancer click here.
- For more information on viral hepatitis and diabetes click here.
Please contact us for more information or assistance in accessing resources.
Posted 16 July 2025
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