Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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San Francisco Examiner - February 24, 2003
Adriel Hampton, Of The Examiner Staff
"A lot of Asians don't know how common this is," So said.
On Friday, So joined Assemblyman Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, and Lulu Bagaman of Q Production to boost an upcoming concert to benefit the Jade Ribbon Campaign, which promotes health in the API community.
So estimated that 130,000 Asians in the Bay Area have Hepatitis B, making it a much larger problem in that community than AIDS. Hepatitis B, which can lead to liver cancer if not treated, spreads through sexual contact and blood. It is easily treatable and a vaccine is available.
"If we raise awareness of Hepatitis B in the Asian community, we are also helping to stomp out AIDS," So said.
Most routine physicals do not screen for Hepatitis B and many Asians don't know they have the disease, So said, urging anyone who is unsure to request a blood test at their next doctor's visit.
Many older teens may be infected from birth and not know it, So said. By the time symptoms occur, their liver may be ruined. Anyone diagnosed with the disease should have regular blood tests and yearly ultrasounds after age 30 to screen for liver cancer, he said.
"Lives are lost unnecessarily because there are ways to prevent that," Yee said.
On March 7, San Francisco City Hall will host "Papillion III East Meets West" to raise money for the liver center. The event also includes a cocktail reception and auction.
Grammy-nominated singer Patti Austin will perform with international singer Francis Yip, including four songs in Mandarin.
The event is the first full-stage concert at City Hall, Yee said. Seating is limited to 550. For tickets, call 731-7663.
E-mail: ahampton@examiner.com
For more information on liver cancer or Hepatitis B, call the liver center at (888) 311-3331 or go to http://liver.stanford.edu.
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