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What is the Leading Cause of Liver Disease? Viral Hepatitis

Posted on: Thursday, 3 November 2005, 06:00 CST

Although liver disease has become one of the nation's fastest- growing serious health concerns - affecting more than one in 10 Americans - many people are not aware of how they can contract liver disease or how easily it can be prevented, according to a new public opinion survey released by the American Liver Foundation (ALF.)

In fact, 4 out of 5 adults - 80 percent - believe that alcohol abuse is the leading cause of liver disease, a myth.

"People may have a dangerously misguided sense that 'it won't happen to me' because they are not heavy drinkers," said Frederick G. Thompson, president and CEO of the American Liver Foundation, which sponsored the first annual Liver Awareness Survey.

"In fact, the leading cause of chronic liver disease in the United States - and a significantly growing cause of liver cancer - is viral hepatitis," said Thompson. "The reality is that liver disease can be traced to a variety of causes related to family history, reactions to drugs and chemicals, social behavior and hygiene. It is crucial for Americans to become better informed."

Today, 30 million Americans suffer from some form of liver disease, and there are more than 100 liver diseases.

The survey revealed a lack of knowledge about viral hepatitis, with more than half surveyed (54 percent) not knowing that unsafe sex can transmit hepatitis B.

"This disturbing lack of public understanding about the risks to the liver is a great concern, because many forms of liver disease have no symptoms and cannot be detected without screening," said Dr. James L. Boyer, chair of the ALF Board of Directors and EnsignProfessor of Medicine at Yale University.

- Carolyn Susman

Source: Palm Beach Post

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