ILOILO — More than 350,000 liver-related consultations were recorded in Western Visayas in 2025, but health officials warned against complacency after five confirmed liver cancer cases surfaced, underscoring what they described as the urgent need for sustained awareness, early detection, and prevention.
In its latest comprehensive health report, the Department of Health (DOH) Region 6 documented 350,236 mo rbidity cases sourced from coded consultations and physician-diagnosed liver disease cases recorded at Rural Health Units and primary care facilities across the region.
Of the total consultations, 1,163 cases (0.3%) involved various types of cancer, with five cases identified as liver cancer, accounting for 0.4% of all reported cancer cases in Western Visayas this year.
One case involved a male patient, while four were female. Most of the affected individuals were women aged 60 years and above, indicating higher prevalence among older females in the region.
Despite the relatively low number of liver cancer cases, DOH-6 officials emphasized that the figures should not diminish the importance of vigilance.
“Cancer, in general, remains a significant public health concern, and liver cancer is no exception. While the current statistics in Western Visayas indicate a low incidence of reported cases, we must not underestimate the critical need for continued awareness, early detection, and robust prevention strategies,” said Dr. Aimee Marie Gayomali, Medical Officer IV and Head of Non-communicable Diseases at DOH-6.
“Prevention plays a critical role in ensuring that these cases do not progress into more severe disease, and in reducing the potential burden on individuals and the health system. By maintaining vigilance through screening, vaccination for viral hepatitis, and health education, we can help protect the population and potentially prevent future cases from occurring,” Gayomali stressed.
Hepatitis a Major Risk Factor
Health officials noted that chronic infection with hepatitis B and C viruses remains the single largest global risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common form of liver cancer.
Additional contributing factors include excessive alcohol consumption leading to liver cirrhosis, obesity and metabolic conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), tobacco use, and uncontrolled diabetes.
These conditions can cause chronic liver inflammation and scarring (cirrhosis), eventually triggering malignant cellular changes.
DOH-6 explained that chronic viral hepatitis gradually damages liver cells over years or even decades through persistent inflammation and fibrosis, significantly increasing cancer risk.
Awareness Campaigns in Place
In response, the DOH continues to implement programs aimed at boosting awareness and prevention.
Every January, the agency spearheads Liver Cancer and Viral Hepatitis Awareness and Prevention Month under Republic Act No. 10526, conducting public education campaigns through community seminars, social media outreach, and coordination with local government units.
The department also promotes year-round immunization against Hepatitis B under the Expanded Immunization Program, routine health screenings, and healthy lifestyle advocacy.
Meanwhile, the Cancer Assistance Fund (CAF) provides financial support for cancer patients to help cover costs for prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care.
Early Symptoms Often Ignored
DOH-6 urged residents not to ignore early warning signs, which may include unintentional weight loss, persistent upper abdominal pain or swelling, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and itchy skin associated with liver dysfunction.
Because early-stage liver cancer may be asymptomatic, high-risk individuals — including those with chronic hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis, or heavy alcohol use — are advised to undergo regular screening, such as ultrasound with AFP testing every six to 12 months, as recommended by clinicians.
“By fostering a culture of vigilance and encouraging community engagement in health-promoting activities, we can significantly improve public health outcomes and reduce future incidences of liver cancer and viral hepatitis,” Gayomali said.
“Liver cancer and viral hepatitis are largely preventable through vaccination, healthy lifestyles, and early detection. Reducing alcohol use, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco, and protecting against hepatitis infection are powerful ways to protect liver health. Getting tested and treated for hepatitis B and C saves lives. Early symptoms should never be ignored — prompt professional evaluation improves outcomes,” she added.
Together, Western Visayans can lower the burden of liver disease and move toward a healthier community, said Gayomali./PN
