Our much anticipated new year, 2016, started on a rather sad note with the passing of beloved music icons, David Bowie and Natalie Cole, who both suffered from liver diseases. As the world mourns this loss, ADRLF takes a closer look at hepatitis C — and why it is called a “silent killer” for a reason.
Natalie Cole’s battle with hepatitis inspired awareness of this silent but deadly disease. (Photo Credit: Flickr/Creative Commons/dbking)
After being diagnosed with hepatitis C in 2008 and decidedly wanting to make a difference by raising awareness, Natalie Cole opened up about her health struggles with this liver disease, which she acquired from her previous use of intravenous drugs. She underwent heavy interferon treatment which caused stress and fatigue. While coping with the side-effects of heavy hepatitis C treatment, Cole developed serious kidney failure that necessitated regular dialysis, and ultimately a kidney transplant in 2009.
Hepatitis C affects around 150 million people worldwide, accounting for an estimated 500, 000 deaths each year. In the US alone, over 2000,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.
This blood-borne virus is commonly transmitted through unsanitary sharing of needles and syringes, and unscreened blood transfusion. It can also be sexually transmitted; and an infected pregnant woman can pass it to her child.
One of the challenges in diagnosing hepatitis C is that most infected people do not exhibit any symptom for years. Ms. Cole, for example, had been off of intravenous drugs for over 25 years when she was diagnosed with hepatitis C.
There are no vaccines for hepatitis C, but oral treatment is now available at high costs. Antiviral medicine treats about 90% of people with hepatitis, significantly reducing the risk of developing liver cancer.
Testing remains the best and most affordable tool against hepatitis C. The CDC highly recommends hepatitis C screening for people with increased risks including those from the baby boomer generation (born between 1945-1965); people with a history of injected drug use; those who have had organ transplants, blood transfusion, and/or hemodialysis treatment; children born to mothers with hepatitis C; and people with HIV or other symptoms of liver disease such as jaundice and abnormal liver enzyme levels.
Taking a cue from Natalie Cole’s courageous battle against hepatitis C, ADRLF shares this unforgettable reminder: Screen. Vaccinate. Don’t hesitate.
Click here to know more about the World Health Organization key recommendations on hepatitis C treatment For health professionals, click here to learn more about hepatitis C management
