Yeosu City to Provide Free Hepatitis Testing for 1,000 Citizens Aged 40 and Over Starting Next Month

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] Yeosu City, Jeollanam-do (Mayor Kwon Oh-bong) announced on the 22nd that starting next month, free tests for hepatitis B and C will be conducted to improve self-awareness of hepatitis status and prevent liver cancer occurrence.

The hepatitis B and C viruses, which are the biggest factors causing liver cancer in Korea, are major contributors accounting for more than half of liver cancer patients (hepatitis B 74.2%, hepatitis C 8.6%).

The public's awareness of their hepatitis status is also relatively low, with 48% of hepatitis B carriers and 28% of hepatitis C carriers aware of their condition.

Accordingly, the city will conduct free hepatitis (B and C) tests for Yeosu citizens aged 40 and over to prevent liver cancer occurrence.

However, those already classified as high-risk for liver cancer in the current year's national health screening (liver cancer) and those who underwent hepatitis B or C testing in the previous year are excluded.

Citizens wishing to take the hepatitis test can visit the Yeosu City Health Center (Hakdong) with their ID to receive the free hepatitis test.

A city official stated, "We hope that by accurately recognizing their hepatitis status, citizens will improve their health condition and maintain a healthy life," and added, "We encourage many citizens to show interest and participate in this free hepatitis testing."

Meanwhile, 578 Yeosu citizens participated in the hepatitis B and C tests conducted last year.

The city guided 101 individuals who were negative for hepatitis B antibodies to receive vaccinations and referred 22 individuals with suspected hepatitis B or C to hospitals and clinics for treatment, registering them as high-risk groups for liver cancer with the National Health Insurance Service to ensure proper management.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.