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Four diverse adults in their 40s and 50s are out in the woods mountain biking. They are facing the camera with smiles and wearing helmets.

VIRUS Y CÁNCER

Hepatitis B

La hepatitis B es una de las principales causas de cáncer de hígado.

Hepatitis B can cause cáncer de hígado and up to 15% of all liver cancer cases in the world are related to the hepatitis B virus.

Most people who contract the virus do not know they have it and do not receive treatment to prevent liver cancer.

You can reduce your risk of liver cancer by getting vaccinated to protect against hepatitis B or by getting treated for the virus before liver cancer develops.

 

Get vaccinated or tested

Hepatitis B is linked to liver cancer. Get yourself and your children vaccinated to prevent cancer. Get tested according to guidelines, and if you test positive, get treated for the virus.

Todas las edades: vacuna contra la hepatitis B

The hepatitis B vaccine is usually given in three doses between birth and 6–18 months of age. All medically stable infants should be vaccinated against hepatitis B.

If you were never vaccinated for hepatitis B, talk to your health care provider about getting vaccinated now. The vaccine is recommended for those up to age 59 at average risk and for those ages 60 and older who are at high risk of hepatitis B infection. (Adults ages 60 and up who are at average risk may also get vaccinated.)

Todos los adultos: prueba de hepatitis B

Todos los adultos (mayores de 18 años) deben hacerse la prueba de detección de hepatitis B al menos una vez en la vida. Las personas embarazadas deben hacerse pruebas de detección durante cada embarazo. Si el resultado es positivo, hay tratamientos disponibles.

Know your risk for hepatitis B

You are at increased risk for hepatitis B infection if you:

  • Haber tenido relaciones sexuales sin condón con alguien infectado.
  • Ha tenido múltiples parejas sexuales.
  • Have a sexually transmitted infection.
  • Se les asignó varón al nacer y tuvieron relaciones sexuales con otros varones asignados al nacer.
  • Have injected recreational drugs or shared needles.
  • Live with someone who has chronic hepatitis B.
  • Have traveled to (or come from) a country where many people have hepatitis B. Areas with high continuous prevalence of hepatitis B include Southeast Asia and the Pacific Basin (excluding Japan, Australia and New Zealand), sub-Saharan Africa, the Amazon Basin, parts of the Middle East, the Central Asian Republics and some countries in Eastern Europe.
  • Está expuesto a la sangre a través de su trabajo.
  • Están en hemodiálisis a largo plazo.
  • Están infectados con VIH.
  • Were born to someone who had hepatitis B while pregnant.

 

Reduce your risk for hepatitis B and liver cancer

You can get hepatitis B from contact with bodily fluids of a person who has the infection. Follow this guidance to reduce your risk.

Icon illustration of a need and syringe.

Get vaccinated against hepatitis B.

Get vaccinated against hepatitis B if you weren’t previously—and make sure your children are as well. It’s recommended for those of average risk up to age 59.

Icon illustration of a magnifying glass.

Get screened for hepatitis B.

Get screened for hepatitis B at least once in your lifetime or more often based on your personal risk factors. If you test positive, get treated for the virus.

Icon illustration of a condom package.

Practica sexo más seguro.

Utilice un condón nuevo de la manera correcta cada vez que tenga relaciones sexuales para protegerse. Esto no proporciona protección 100%.

Icon illustration of a plastic bucket with a biohazard symbol on it.

No comparta agujas.

No comparta agujas para inyectarse drogas.

Signs and symptoms of hepatitis B

Some do not show symptoms when first infected with hepatitis B (acute infection), but up to 50% develop symptoms that can last months. Symptoms of chronic hepatitis B infection can take years to develop. Talk with a health care provider if you are experiencing:

  • Fiebre
  • Fatiga
  • Pérdida de apetito
  • Náuseas y vómitos
  • Orina oscura
  • Heces de color arcilla o pálidas
  • Coloración amarillenta de la piel (ictericia) o de la parte blanca de los ojos (esclerótica)
  • Muscle aches