Victor Chen, a 32‑year‑old public‑health outreach worker in Toronto, speaks out about hepatitis B, a virus that often goes unnoticed until it causes serious liver problems.
Living with hepatitis B and dispelling myths
Born in Taiwan, he was diagnosed at birth after his mother passed the infection to him. He says the virus “is not active and it’s not something that’s contagious in daily life.”
His routine includes regular liver‑function monitoring, limited alcohol intake, exercise and a balanced diet. “I want to emphasize that I really do live a very normal life,” he tells reporters.
The virus attacks the liver and can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer if left unchecked. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, sharing needles, or from an infected mother to her newborn during delivery. Everyday interactions—sharing meals, using the same utensils, or living in the same house—do not spread the virus. “Those are very common, very normal questions people have,” he adds, noting that the answer is generally “yes” to those concerns.
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Changing attitudes and the role of vaccination
In many high‑prevalence regions such as Taiwan and China, newborns receive a hepatitis B vaccine at birth. He explains that if a mother’s viral load is not managed during pregnancy, the vaccine may fail, which was the case for him.
Today, treatment protocols for pregnant carriers aim to reduce viral load before delivery, improving vaccine effectiveness for infants.
A 2025 report from Action Hepatitis Canada indicates that Canada’s progress toward eliminating hepatitis B is “unknown” across all provinces and territories. The document highlights lingering stigma, especially within Chinese‑Canadian communities, that discourages testing or care.
A recent survey by GSK found that nearly nine in ten Canadians have little to no awareness of chronic hepatitis B, and only 31 percent recognize it as a high cancer risk.
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Advocacy, community support, and a cautious outlook
Community networks can “break down those barriers” by providing accurate knowledge and emotional backing.
While treatment options have improved, continued public‑health efforts are needed to reach underserved groups.
Expanded vaccination programs, better prenatal screening and increased public education could narrow the gap between perception and reality. If more people understand that hepatitis B is manageable with proper care, the pressure on health systems to treat advanced liver disease may lessen, allowing resources to be allocated to other pressing health concerns.
His message is clear: with the right treatment and lifestyle choices, people with hepatitis B can lead “perfectly normal lives” without the disease dictating daily activities. He encourages anyone at risk to get tested and to seek care, noting that early intervention can prevent serious complications later on.
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