Hepatitis Highlighted as Leading Cause of Liver Cancer in Bangladesh

Hepatitis B and C are the leading causes of liver cancer globally, with around 10 million people in Bangladesh currently living with hepatitis virus infections. Each year, nearly 20,000 people die from the disease, while 9 out of 10 infected individuals remain unaware of their condition. Medical experts note that Hepatitis B alone accounts for 60 to 70 percent of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer cases in Bangladesh. In order to achieve the global target of hepatitis elimination by 2030, awareness and coordinated action are deemed crucial by health professionals.

This information was presented at a public awareness rally held on Monday, July 28, at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) to mark World Hepatitis Day 2025. With the global theme “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down” and the local slogan “Be Aware, Save Lives,” the occasion featured a rally and a scientific seminar focusing on public health significance.

The event was attended by Professor Dr. Md. Shahinul Alam, Vice-Chancellor of BMU, as chief guest. Special guests included Professor Dr. Md. Abul Kalam Azad, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Administration); Professor Dr. Md. Mujibur Rahman Howlader, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research & Development); and Treasurer Professor Dr. Nahrin Akhtar.

Professor Dr. Dewan Saifuddin Ahmed, Chair of the Department of Gastroenterology and Secretary General of the Bangladesh Gastroenterology Society, served as the convener of the World Hepatitis Day celebration committee. The committee’s member secretary Dr. Saiful Islam Elin, along with faculty members, hepatologists, gastroenterologists, hepatobiliary surgeons, pediatric gastroenterologists, and resident doctors from related departments, were present at the events.

The scientific seminar was divided into three sessions where key insights were shared by Professor Dr. Md. Golam Azam, Professor Dr. Md. Rukunuzzaman, Professor Dr. Md. Mohsin Chowdhury, Professor Dr. Bidhan Chandra Das, Dr. Lubana Akram, Dr. ABM Safiullah, Dr. Md. Zahidur Rahman, Dr. Sharmin Sultana, and Dr. Arifa Tasnim, among others.

Participants stressed that hepatitis is not merely a medical issue but also one of human rights, health equity, and social justice. Eliminating the disease will require concerted efforts from the government, health workers, media, development organizations, and the general public alike.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 350 million people globally are chronically infected with hepatitis B or C, which together account for 80 percent of all liver cancer cases. Viral hepatitis causes liver inflammation and can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Its asymptomatic nature has led it to be termed a “silent killer.”

Experts highlighted that hepatitis primarily refers to inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by viral infections. Among the five main types—A, B, C, D, and E—types B and C are the most dangerous due to their potential to cause chronic infection. Without timely treatment, these infections can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.

Preventative measures include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, consuming clean food and water, regular handwashing, safe blood transfusion practices, sterilized medical equipment usage, and vaccination for Hepatitis A and B. It is also vital to undergo screening for Hepatitis B and C, particularly during pregnancy, as the virus can be transmitted from mother to child. With proper treatment during pregnancy and vaccination of the newborn at birth, the risk of transmission can be reduced from 90 percent to just 10 percent. Caution is also advised during practices such as injections, dental procedures, shaving, ear piercing, and blood transfusion.

The call for nationwide awareness and collaborative action echoed throughout the day’s programs, as experts reiterated the urgency of fighting the disease before it takes a greater toll.