The Gochang County Public Health Center in Jeonbuk will conduct free screening tests for hepatitis C starting next month.
According to the Gochang County Public Health Center on the 23rd, the free hepatitis C screening test is available to Gochang residents aged 40 and over (born in 1983 or earlier) until the end of the year.
The screening test can be done by visiting the Gochang County Public Health Center with an ID card.
The test results are expected to be sent by mail one week after the test.
Those with suspicious findings will be guided to undergo detailed examinations and treatment, and if confirmed, they will be advised to register as eligible for the National Health Insurance Service's national cancer liver cancer screening program.
Hepatitis C progresses to chronic hepatitis in 70-80% of cases once infected, and can subsequently develop into cirrhosis and liver cancer, making early detection and treatment through screening tests crucial.
With oral medication, a cure rate of over 90% can be expected, demonstrating the high effectiveness of the test.
Yoo Byung-su, director of the Gochang County Public Health Center, said, “Since there is no preventive vaccine for hepatitis C, the importance of screening tests is significant,” and added, “We expect that the promotion of free screening tests will lead to early detection of hepatitis C, management of those with suspicious findings, appropriate treatment, reduction in liver cancer incidence, and improvement of residents’ health.”
Gochang = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Kim Jae-gil baekok@asiae.co.kr
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