BY: VALERIE ANN DISMAYA

The liver is one of the most important parts of our body.

It removes toxins and alcohol from the blood, breaks down fats, and performs many other vital functions.

However, due to unhealthy lifestyles, liver cancer has become one of the most severe diseases in the Philippines, according to doctors.

In fact, it is now called a “silent epidemic.”

Based on the 2020 Global Cancer Observatory, over 10,000 Filipinos are diagnosed with liver cancer annually, and 9,000 of them lose their lives to the disease.

Most patients suffer from complications related to viral hepatitis B and C.

To raise public awareness, January has been declared Liver Cancer and Viral Hepatitis Awareness and Prevention Month.

This initiative aims to inform Filipinos about the risks of liver cancer and viral hepatitis.

The observance was established under Republic Act No. 10526, signed by former President Benigno Aquino III in 2013.

The government aims to reduce cases through education, prevention, and early symptom detection.

The government is also working with the World Health Organization (WHO) to strengthen campaigns against the disease.

Globally, WHO has launched the “Global Hepatitis Strategy” to eliminate the spread of these diseases within decades.

The Department of Health (DOH), in partnership with PhilHealth, plays a significant role in this effort through free screenings, hepatitis B vaccinations, and educational campaigns.

Additionally, the DOH continues to promote healthy and active lifestyles, balanced diets, and regular medical check-ups.