Universal Hepatitis B Testing Key to Curb Liver Cancer Deaths
Hepatitis Australia is calling for a nationwide rollout of universal offer of hepatitis B testing for people aged over 25, after new data confirmed the silent role of the virus in Australia’s rising liver cancer deaths.
Without medical intervention, one in four people living with chronic hepatitis B will die from liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. More than 220,000 people in Australia live with hepatitis B, yet one in four do not know they have it
Hepatitis Australia CEO Lucy Clynes said universal testing for hepatitis B is the next crucial step.
“We will not eliminate hepatitis B or reduce liver cancer deaths without universal testing for people over 25,” Lucy Clynes said.
“Hepatitis B is often symptomless until it’s too late. Diagnosis unlocks access to simple, effective treatment that protects the liver and prevents cancer. But people can’t get care if they don’t know they’re living with this virus.”
The call for expanded testing is grounded in the federal government’s own draft Fourth National Hepatitis B Strategy, which outlines how Australia can meet its ambitious goal to eliminate hepatitis B as a public health threat by 2030 and is due to be released soon. To achieve this, 90 per cent of people living with hepatitis B must be diagnosed and 80 per cent engaged in care.
Currently, only 73 per cent are diagnosed, and less than a quarter are in regular care. The Strategy acknowledges that testing based on risk factors alone has failed to lift diagnosis rates meaningfully in the past decade. It explicitly supports population-wide testing offers as a path forward.
Hepatitis Australia is urging the Commonwealth to fund and implement a universal testing offer in primary care for people aged 25 and over, the group most at risk of undiagnosed, chronic infection.
“Most people with hepatitis B got it at birth or in early childhood and have no idea they carry the virus. These people aren’t being reached through current risk-based approaches,” Ms Clynes said.
“We commend the federal government for its national, strategic approach and for the ongoing investment in viral hepatitis. A universal offer of testing is the critical next step in hepatitis B elimination.”
Anyone impacted by hepatitis B can be connected to community care, support and treatment by calling HepLink on 1800 437 222