Hepatitis means the liver is swollen or inflamed. This can happen for many reasons. Hepatitis B is a virus that affects the liver and can sometimes cause serious health issues like liver damage or, in rare cases, liver cancer. However, most people with hepatitis B do not develop liver cancer. The term “hepatitis B” is often used to talk about both the virus and the liver problems it causes.

There are at least four other kinds of hepatitis viruses: A, C, D, and E. It’s possible to be infected with more than one type at the same time, and all of them affect the liver. In this blog, let’s explore Hepatitis B and liver cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 254 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B infection in 2022, representing about 3.3% of the world’s population and it is estimated that more than 50% of the population in 2024 requires treatment for Hepatitis B.

Can Hepatitis B cause liver cancer?

Yes, chronic hepatitis B can cause liver cancer. The virus damages liver cells over time, leading to cirrhosis and increasing the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer.

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a virus that can cause a serious infection in the liver. Most adults who get it recover within six months. However, about 5–10% of adults may not fully get rid of the virus and it stays in their liver for years—this is called a chronic infection.

Some people may feel sick at first, with symptoms like yellowing of the skin (jaundice), but then feel fine for a long time. Later, serious liver damage like scarring (cirrhosis) can develop. If you have hepatitis B, it’s a good idea to get checked for hepatitis C and D too, since you can have more than one type of hepatitis at the same time.

How does Hepatitis B lead to liver cancer?

When the chronic hepatitis B virus stays in the body for a long time (chronic infection), it slowly damages the liver. Over the years, this ongoing damage causes the liver to become inflamed and scarred. This scarring, known as cirrhosis, makes it difficult for the liver to function as it should.

As the liver cells keep getting damaged and replaced, there’s a higher chance that some of these cells may grow abnormally. This can lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is the most common type of liver cancer.

Not everyone with hepatitis B will get liver cancer, but the risk is higher if:

The infection becomes chronic

There is cirrhosis
The body has a high level of the virus
There is a family history of liver cancer

That’s why people with chronic hepatitis B should have regular check-ups to monitor their liver health. Getting treated early and regularly checking your health can help reduce the risk of liver cancer.

What are the symptoms of Hepatitis B?

You can have long-term hepatitis B without feeling ill. But if symptoms appear, they may include:

Joint pain
Fever
Abdominal pain
Fatigue
Vomiting
Nausea
Loss of appetite
Weakness

You might also notice signs that your liver isn’t working properly, such as:

Light colored stool
Dark urine
Swelling caused by fluid in the stomach
Yellowing of the skin due to jaundice

You need to consult the best gastro hospital in Coimbatore if these symptoms begin to show to seek immediate care.

Can liver cancer be avoided if you have Hepatitis B?

Yes, liver cancer can often be prevented in people with hepatitis B, especially with early care and regular follow-ups. While not all cases are avoidable, taking the right steps can greatly reduce your risk.

Take antiviral medication if needed

If you have long-term hepatitis B, your doctor might suggest antiviral medication. These medicines help reduce the virus in your body and protect your liver from damage, which also lowers the chance of cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Go for regular check-ups and tests

People with chronic hepatitis B should have regular liver health check-ups. These often include:

Blood tests to monitor liver function
An ultrasound scan every 6 months can help check for early symptoms of liver cancer.
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) tests, a marker that may suggest liver cancer

Catching any problems early gives you the best chance for effective treatment.

Get vaccinated against Hepatitis A

If you have hepatitis B, catching hepatitis A can make your liver condition more serious. A vaccine is available for hepatitis A, and taking it can protect your liver from further strain.

Avoid things that can harm the liver

To keep your liver healthy:

Avoid alcohol and smoking
Stay away from unnecessary medications or herbal products that could harm the liver
Eat well and maintain a healthy weight

Inform close contacts and practice safety

Although this doesn’t prevent cancer directly, it helps stop the spread of the virus to family or partners. Make sure household members are vaccinated and practice safe hygiene and safe sex.

What can you do to stay healthy if you have chronic hepatitis B?

The symptoms of hepatitis B can vary over time. One important way to take care of yourself is by staying in regular contact with your doctor or healthcare team. Here are some other helpful tips:

Stay away from alcohol: Harmful substances can accumulate in your liver if you drink alcohol often.

Eat good food: Try to include lean protein, fruits, and vegetables in your meals.

Take medications: It is important to follow prescribed medications as per doctor’s advice and make sure not to miss a dose.

Protect your liver: If you haven’t had the hepatitis A vaccine, make sure to get it. Also, get checked for hepatitis C, and if you have it, begin treatment—because it can be cured.

When should you see the doctor?

You should see a doctor promptly if you experience symptoms that could be related to chronic hepatitis B or liver problems. These symptoms may include:

Yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice)
Severe or ongoing abdominal pain, especially on the right side
Extreme fatigue, weakness, or confusion
Dark urine or pale stools
Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
Joint pain or unexplained weight loss

It’s also important to see your doctor if you think you’ve been exposed to hepatitis B—such as through contact with infected blood or body fluids—or if you have risk factors like a family member with hepatitis B, recent unprotected sex with a new partner, or a history of sharing needles.

Even if you don’t feel sick or have any symptoms, regular check-ups and blood tests are recommended if you know you have hepatitis B, as liver problems may develop silently over time. Early diagnosis and routine monitoring can help prevent serious complications, including liver cancer.

Important takeaway:

Hepatitis B is a major infection that can silently damage the liver over many years, raising the risk of serious complications like liver cancer. Catching hepatitis B early or managing it well with regular medical care can greatly reduce the risk of long-term liver damage.

If you have chronic hepatitis B or believe you might be at risk, stay in touch with your healthcare provider and seek hepatitis b treatment in Coimbatore for regular monitoring and medical advice. Taking proactive steps,like vaccination, healthy lifestyle choices, and routine check-ups, can make a significant difference in protecting your liver health and lowering your risk for liver cancer.