WHAT I WISH I KNEW: BATTLING WITH SHAME AND STIGMA
34-year-old Fiona from China had been diagnosed with early-stage liver cirrhosis. Having been a hepatitis B carrier since she was 15, she was taught that the disease was highly contagious, and it made her feel ashamed. As a result, the disease controlled her life and made her stay away from her classmates.
Today, she wished she had known about this disease earlier. She would have gone for earlier check-ups and taken timely treatments to prevent liver cirrhosis. "If I knew this information right from the beginning, I would be able to have a point-to-point or even a one-to-one health counselor or doctor," said Fiona.
In China, 84% of hepatocellular carcinoma cases are caused by hepatitis B virus infection.1 Hepatitis today can lead to liver cancer tomorrow.
The “What I Wish I Knew” film series offers a poignant and intimate look into the lives of individuals impacted by hepatitis B across diverse markets in Asia Pacific. Each film serves as a powerful testament to the importance of early detection, proactive management, and the often-underestimated consequences of the disease.
Today, she wished she had known about this disease earlier. She would have gone for earlier check-ups and taken timely treatments to prevent liver cirrhosis. "If I knew this information right from the beginning, I would be able to have a point-to-point or even a one-to-one health counselor or doctor," said Fiona.
In China, 84% of hepatocellular carcinoma cases are caused by hepatitis B virus infection.1 Hepatitis today can lead to liver cancer tomorrow.
The “What I Wish I Knew” film series offers a poignant and intimate look into the lives of individuals impacted by hepatitis B across diverse markets in Asia Pacific. Each film serves as a powerful testament to the importance of early detection, proactive management, and the often-underestimated consequences of the disease.
Reference:
1. Yang DH, Wang WP, Zhang Q, Pan HY, Huang YC, Zhang JJ. Hepatocellular carcinoma progression in hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis patients receiving nucleoside (acid) analogs therapy: A retrospective cross-sectional study. World J Gastroenterol. 2021 May 7;27(17):2025-2038. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i17.2025. PMID: 34007137; PMCID: PMC8108039.