Abstract
Addressing Liver Cancer through Hepatitis B and C Screening in Philadelphia’s African Immigrant communities
Catherine Freeland, MPH1, Chari Cohen, DrPH, MPH1, Oni Richards2, Michaela Jackson, MS1, Amy Jessop, PhD, MPH3 and Kiera Kenney, MSW2
(1)Hepatitis B Foundation, Doylestown, PA, (2)African Family Health Organization, Philadelphia, PA, (3)University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA
APHA's 2019 Annual Meeting and Expo (Nov. 2 - Nov. 6)
Liver cancer is the 3rddeadliest cancer worldwide, with 5-year survival of 15%. In the U.S., liver cancer incidence and mortality are increasing faster than for any other cancer. Approximately 78% of primary liver cancer is attributable to hepatitis B (HBV) or hepatitis C (HCV) infections. The prevalence of HBV and HCV in the U.S. is estimated at 2.2 million and 2.7 to 5 million, respectively with most unaware of their infection. People of African origin have higher rates of HBV and HCV, increased chance of developing liver cancer (and at younger age) than others. Screening is essential to identify those infected and at-risk for liver cancer. To address this disparity, the Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF), HepTREC and African Family Health Organization (AFAHO) implemented a free screening, education, and linkage to care program within African immigrant communities in the Philadelphia, PA region. Screening will continue through 2019. To date, 76 were screened. Countries of origin included Sierra Leone (58%), Liberia (10%) Sudan (10%), Ghana (5%), Mali (4%) and the U.S. (2%). To date, 7% had an HBV infection, 47% were immune to HBV and 46% were susceptible and would benefit from vaccination. No individuals tested positive for HCV. This study highlights the need for increased HBV and HCV testing within African immigrant populations. This presentation also will discuss challenges associated with recruitment of participants, strategies for partnering within African immigrant communities, and future directions for addressing and preventing liver cancer within this high-risk population.
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs