Liver Disease / Chronic Hepatitis B / CHB

Liver Disease / Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB)

Some communities are more likely to get CHB, which can lead to liver cancer.

Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). In the United States, it affects about 1 in 12 Asian Americans and many African and Caribbean immigrants.

For many people in these communities, the infection happened at birth when the virus passed from mother to baby. This is called “vertical transmission” or “mother-to-child transmission.”

Even without symptoms, CHB can silently damage your liver over time. The good news is that with proper care and treatment, people with chronic hepatitis B can live long, healthy lives.

When we share our health care journey, we can inspire someone to take action, which may improve their outcomes.

Henry, CHB Patient

“Three years ago, I went in for a routine physical, but when my doctor called me back about my blood work, I was not prepared for what he said: Hepatitis B positive. The fear of being judged was paralyzing, so I just ignored it and lived in denial for almost two years.

Everything changed when my doctor told me, “If you continue to ignore this, you will develop liver cancer.”

—Henry, Chronic Hepatitis B Patient

Important Facts About Chronic Hepatitis B

CHB is common in Asian, Pacific Islander, and African immigrant communities.
Many people with CHB have no symptoms for years or even decades. This is why getting screened is so important if you were born outside of the US, even if you feel healthy.
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is spread through blood, not through casual contact like kissing, sharing meals, or sitting together.
CHB significantly increases your risk for liver cancer.
Effective treatments are available that can control HBV and reduce your risk for liver cancer.

Common Myths vs. Facts

Myth	Fact
“If I feel fine, my hepatitis B isn’t a problem.”	CHB often has no symptoms until serious liver damage has occurred.
“Hepatitis B means I will definitely get liver cancer.”	Early and continued treatment significantly reduces the risk for liver cancer.
“I should be ashamed of having hepatitis B.”	Many people in our communities unknowingly got hepatitis B from birth – it was not transmitted as an STD. Being ashamed can prevent you from getting the proper support and care.
“There’s nothing I can do about hepatitis B.”	Today’s treatments can effectively control the virus and prevent liver damage. There are even cures for CHB on the horizon. Your doctor can help you decide which treatment is right for you.

Why Treatment Matters

Without proper care, chronic hepatitis B can lead to serious liver problems:

Liver scarring (cirrhosis)
Liver failure
Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)

The good news: Research shows that antiviral medications can significantly reduce these risks.

Modern treatments are simple (often just one pill a day) with few side effects.

When to Start Treatment

Your doctor will recommend treatment based on:

The amount of virus in your blood
Whether your liver shows signs of inflammation
Your overall liver health
Your age and other health factors

Even if you don’t need treatment right now, regular check-ups are essential to monitor your viral load and liver health.

Taking Care of Your Liver

You can protect your liver by:

Following up with a liver specialist regularly for the proper liver tests
Avoiding any form of alcohol, which can speed up liver damage
Maintaining a healthy weight
Exercising regularly
Talking to your doctor before taking any supplements

Protecting Your Loved Ones

If you have hepatitis B:

Make sure your sexual partners get tested and vaccinated
Ensure your family members are tested and vaccinated
Don’t share personal items that might have blood on them (razors, toothbrushes, etc.)
If you are planning to have children, talk to your doctor about the proper protocols

Don't Suffer Alone

Living with stigma can hold you back from the proper care. Consider:

Bringing a family member to your appointments
Talking to a CHB advocate (in-person or online)
Asking your healthcare provider about community resources

Your Next Steps

Get screened if you were born in a country where Hepatitis B is very common
Find a doctor who understands hepatitis B treatments and care
Keep all appointments for monitoring your liver health
Learn more about hepatitis B from trusted sources
Talk openly with your healthcare team about any concerns

Remember: You Are Not Alone

Thousands of people in our communities are living well with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).
With proper care, you can protect your health and continue to live a full, active life.

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