Speaking Out Against a Silent Killer: Hepatitis C
(NewsUSA) - Imagine having a serious, harmful illness, but no symptoms. Unless you know you are at risk and take a blood test, the disease may go undetected.
Hepatitis C, a viral infection of the liver, is one of these silent killers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 4 million Americans are infected with hepatitis C, yet many do not even know they have the virus. That's because 80 percent of people have no symptoms. And while advanced stages of the disease result in fibrosis or cirrhosis of the liver, a blood test is the only way to detect it early on.
So, how do you encourage individuals to get tested for an ailment they might not even suspect they have? Roche, a pharmaceutical company in Nutley, N.J., (www.rocheusa.com) has partnered with faith-based organizations nationwide to spread the word. Together, they educate communities about hepatitis C, a disease that if left untreated, can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer or even death.
Roche provides residents with free hepatitis C testing and educational information, including books, pamphlets and a list of local physicians who specialize in hepatitis C treatment. All screenings are kept confidential and performed by licensed volunteers of non-profit organizations.
"Early hepatitis C testing and disease management can save lives," said Frank Griffith, outreach director of minority communities for Roche. "We have found that a great way to do this, especially in minority communities, is through partnerships with local organizations that want to help their constituents."
And while the disease can be deadly, it doesn't have to be. Hepatitis C can be treated successfully. In fact, current therapies can reduce the virus to undetectable levels in about half of patients who take them.
If you experience symptoms of hepatitis C or think you are at risk for contracting the disease, ask your primary care provider for a hepatitis C blood test.
"Article By: NewsUSA"
Hepatitis C, a viral infection of the liver, is one of these silent killers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 4 million Americans are infected with hepatitis C, yet many do not even know they have the virus. That's because 80 percent of people have no symptoms. And while advanced stages of the disease result in fibrosis or cirrhosis of the liver, a blood test is the only way to detect it early on.
So, how do you encourage individuals to get tested for an ailment they might not even suspect they have? Roche, a pharmaceutical company in Nutley, N.J., (www.rocheusa.com) has partnered with faith-based organizations nationwide to spread the word. Together, they educate communities about hepatitis C, a disease that if left untreated, can lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer or even death.
Roche provides residents with free hepatitis C testing and educational information, including books, pamphlets and a list of local physicians who specialize in hepatitis C treatment. All screenings are kept confidential and performed by licensed volunteers of non-profit organizations.
"Early hepatitis C testing and disease management can save lives," said Frank Griffith, outreach director of minority communities for Roche. "We have found that a great way to do this, especially in minority communities, is through partnerships with local organizations that want to help their constituents."
And while the disease can be deadly, it doesn't have to be. Hepatitis C can be treated successfully. In fact, current therapies can reduce the virus to undetectable levels in about half of patients who take them.
If you experience symptoms of hepatitis C or think you are at risk for contracting the disease, ask your primary care provider for a hepatitis C blood test.
No comments: