CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Hepatitis B and C can affect the liver without showing symptoms in the early stages, making testing and regular checkups essential to prevent liver cancer, the Department of Health-Northern Mindanao (DOH-10) said

Dr. Tristan Jediah Labitad, head of the DOH-10 Non-Communicable Diseases Cluster, underscored the importance of liver health during the Talakayan sa PIA media forum on Jan. 8. He explained that the liver is the body’s largest internal organ and plays a vital role in filtering substances, storing fat and cholesterol, and distributing nutrients.

“Usa siya sa mga ga-sala sa atong gipang-inom, gipang-kaon. Usa siya sa ga-digest og tabang sa atong mga intake diha. Part sa imong kidney nga naa pud siya regulation nga role sa atong lawas,” he said.

(It is one of the organs responsible for filtering what we drink and eat. It helps digest and process our intake. Like the kidney, it also has a regulatory role in our body.)

DOH data recorded 162 cases of viral hepatitis and three cases of liver cancer in Northern Mindanao during the third quarter of 2025.

“Magsugod sa simple infection, nga wala nimo nahibal-an. Then eventually ang kadugayon sa sakit nimo, infection sa liver nga wala nimo mabantayi, in the long run, mamahimo na na siya og cirrhosis, eventually will lead to liver cancer,” Labitad warned.

(It starts as a simple infection that you may not even be aware of. Over time, an undetected liver infection can develop into cirrhosis and eventually lead to liver cancer.)

Early-stage liver disease often lacks symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, patients may experience fatigue, yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss.

Hepatitis B can be transmitted from mother to child at birth, through unprotected sex, sharing needles, or exposure to infected blood. Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood, including unsafe medical procedures. Labitad noted that while Hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination, there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C, though it can be treated with medication.

DOH-10 advises the public to undergo regular testing, get vaccinated against Hepatitis B, avoid sharing needles or personal items, practice safe sex, limit alcohol intake, and ensure medical and dental procedures are performed safely. (JMOR/PIA-10)