Fight Infection
Some infections if left untreated, can cause certain cancers. Find out how they can be treated.If you have Hepatitis C, H.Pylori or HIV and it is not treated, it may cause some cancers. Find out about the support available.
Hepatitis C
Hep C can cause short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) infections. Most people who get infected will develop a chronic infection.
Most people with Hep C do not know that they are infected. The only way to know if you have Hep C is to have a blood test. Speak to your doctor or nurse if you have symptoms or if there's a risk you're infected.
Infection can be spread by sharing unsterilised needles (especially needles used to inject recreational drugs), unsafe medical procedures, sharing razors or toothbrushes and very rarely, from an infected mother to her unborn baby.
There is no vaccine to prevent Hep C.
Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori)
H. pylori is a significant cause of stomach cancer.
The rate of H. pylori infection is a lot higher in Māori and Pacific peoples.
H. pylori is a common bacteria (germ) that grows in the lining of the stomach. It does not cause symptoms or illness in most infected people and may just live harmlessly in your stomach. People that do have symptoms may feel a burning pain in the upper part of their abdomen, indigestion, nausea vomiting, burping, loss of appetite, or feeling full after a small meal.
A few people infected by H. pylori may develop ulcers of the stomach and small intestine. In some rare cases, it may cause stomach cancer. Most people who are infected with H. pylori do not get stomach cancer.
The infection is usually acquired during childhood and will persist unless it is treated with antibiotics.
Who may be tested:
- people with ulcers (or a history of) and gastrointestinal pain
- people with repeated indigestion problems
- have a mother, father, brother, sister, or child with a history of stomach cancer
- are taking or about to take long term anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin
- have unexplained iron - deficiency anaemia
- your doctor may also test you if they think your chances of infection are high based on your ethnicity, place of birth (some areas have higher rates of H. Pylori), and other factors.
Tests may include a blood test, faecal (poo) sample or gastroscopy (sometimes called endoscopy – a small tube with a tiny camera is passed through your mouth and down to your stomach).
The bacteria are thought to spread through contact with the saliva or poo of an infected person, or by having contaminated food and water.
You may be able to reduce your chances of getting H. Pylori by washing your hands before preparing food and after you use the bathroom, avoiding water or food that is not clean (is from a safe source), and eating food that is washed and cooked thoroughly.
HIV
People with HIV are more likely to develop some types of cancer. Anti-retroviral therapy can help keep HIV under control and reduce the risk of cancer. There are also some other things you can do to reduce the risk or find cancer early.
What people with HIV can do to lower their risk of cancer or find cancer early
- Following HIV treatment guidelines can reduce the risk of some of these cancers.
- It's also important not to smoke. Help with quitting is available through Quitline Me Mutu quit.org.nz .
- Avoid or limit alcohol use as this increases the risk of some cancers.
- Know your Hepatitis status. Some types of Hepatitis can be prevented or treated.
- Don't share needles – this can increase the likelihood of getting Hep B or C, which increases the risks for liver cancer.
- Use condoms – these may protect against HPV cancers.
- Have a regular cervical smear if you have a cervix.
- Follow other cancer prevention recommendations [on this website].
Other helpful websites: