Hepatitis and Liver Cancer Screening
In 2011, FIRE began conducting viral hepatitis testing and liver cancer screening programs in rural areas of Mongolia. FIRE works closely with local primary care clinics to identify and invite the highest risk people to testing and screening events.
The FIRE team and specialists from Ulaanbaatar including an ultrasound specialist, hepatologist (liver specialist) and oncologist conduct the activities.
Participants proceed through the following steps:
Step 1: Participants are tested for viral hepatitis B and C.
Step 2: Participants who test negative for viral hepatitis B and have not previously been vaccinated are given the first of three shots for the hepatitis B vaccination.
Step 3: People who tested positive for viral hepatitis B or C are given an ultrasound examination.
Step 4: People who show a lesion on their liver during the ultrasound examination are then tested for AFP, the protein that indicates liver cancer. Since they are considered to be at risk for liver cancer, they are physically examined and counseled by an oncologist.
Step 5: Participants who test positive for viral hepatitis B or C but who's ultrasound examination did not indicate current cancer risk are physically examined and counseled by a hepatologist.
This project helps communities in rural Mongolia learn their status of viral hepatitis B, C and other liver diseases, including cancer.
Newly diagnosed individu
als with viral hepatitis and/or cancer gain the knowledge to
effectively manage their conditions. By discovering their disease early, these people will have more treatment options, a greater chance of long-term survival, and a better quality of life.
Thank you to funding from the Fullerton Family Foundation and the Ed Nef Foundation, in June, FIRE provided screening and testing for viral hepatitis and liver cancer to 544 people, in Murun, Khovsgol during which:
To view a 6 minute video of this project, please click
here.
|