Health Talk | From Beijing to Chicago: A united front against liver cancer

Editor's Note: World Hepatits Day falls on July 28 every year, aiming to raise awareness of viral hepatitis and eliminate this preventable disease. CGTN's Health Talk interviewed two renowned liver surgeons from China and the U.S. – Professor Mao Yilei from the Peking Union Medical College Hospital and Professor Michael Millis from the University of Chicago Medicine. They discussed China's progress in hepatitis B (HBV) prevention, diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer, and collaborations in related fields.

Hepatitis infections in China have steadily decreased due to improved surveillance and comprehensive prevention efforts.

"The number of hepatitis B carriers in China has significantly decreased," notes Professor Mao Yilei. The incidence rate among children under five has dropped to 0.3 percent, according to the results of the latest national survey.

According to the survey, China's three-dose hepatitis B vaccination rate among newborns has been maintained at over 95 percent and reached the 2030 goal set by the World Health Organization.

Stopping the spread of HBV is crucial because it can lead to serious health complications, including liver damage, cirrhosis, liver failure and liver cancer.

To prevent the development of severe liver cancer, early screening is essential. Both professors emphasized that patients who are HBV carriers or have cirrhosis should undergo medical checks, such as an ultrasound or a CT (Computed Tomography), every six months to monitor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer.

The two professors also promote academic exchange and collaboration between the two countries through various means, such as student exchange programs and hosting conferences together.

Executive producer: Zhang Jingwen

Producer: Yang Sha

Planners: Du Junzhi and Xu Wen

Directors: Lu Wei, Chen Hongyu and Zhang Yuying

Video editor: Xu Wen

Cameramen: Wang Zekui, Zhao Wenting and Guo Huakang

Cover image designer: Jia Jieqiong