KARACHI - Health experts have expressed their serious concerns over the lack of proper care of liver patients in the country and said that more than 1.8 million people are suffering from Hepatitis B and C in the country. Out of the total numbers of patients, suffering Hepatitis B and C, around six per cent also suffer from liver cancer. Almost 5 per cent of Pakistanis are suffering from Hepatitis C and about percent with hepatitis B. More than 10 millions have these viruses in their body. Despite the fact that a human organ trade have been banned in the country but still some cases of organ trade are being surfaced in the country, they said, while speaking at the public awareness programme on Liver Cancer, held on Friday at Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT). The symposium was jointly organised by Pakistan Society for the Study of Liver Diseases (PSSLD) and Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation. Director SIUT Prof. Dr. Adib Rizvi stressed the need for proper care of liver patients to prevent complications including cirrhosis and liver cancer, and said that liver transplantation is possible in the country but we have no system to preserve human organs that is why liver transplantation is not being done in the country. We need will of society to make the system of cadaver donation in the country effective, he said and added that there is no awareness even in the urban parts of the country regarding preventive measures about the fatal diseases. Dr. Zaigham Abbas of SlUT highlighted the importance of liver in the body, and said that the liver was the largest organ in the digestive system. Liver filters out any germs in the blood, produces building proteins, and maintains blood sugar, carbohydrates, vitamins and iron. Liver produces bile to adjust fats. It detoxifies poisons and eliminates waste products. We are trying to aware people regarding importance of preventive steps, he said. President PSSLD Prof. Wasim Jaffari told the participants that important risk factors for liver cancer were hepatitis B, hepatitis C, Obesity, Alcohol, diabetes and toxins. He said, Hepatitis B and C are rampant in Pakistan. In the country almost 5 percent are suffering from Hepatitis C and similarly about 5 percent suffering with hepatitis B; more than 10 millions have these viruses in their body. A significant proportion of these patients will develop cirrhosis and liver cancer. The current picture of the disease illustrates that there is dire need create mechanism in the country to cope with situation. Dr. Saeed Hamid from Aga Khan University Hospital discussed the symptoms of liver cancer, and said that many of these patients present Witt, weight loss, lack of appetite, early satiety, jaundice, nausea, vomiting, swollen abdomen, itching and feeling of lump in right side of upper abdomen. Dr. Ashfaq from Hamdard University mentioned that patients of cirrhosis of liver should be screened for liver cancer by blood test (alpha fetoprotein) and ultrasound every six months. Dr. Abdal from SlUT said that liver cancer if detected early is treatable. Small cancers may be treated with surgical removal, radio frequency ablation and chemoembolization. In non-operable cases some drugs are also available to prolong life. Liver transplant is another option, he said. Dr Nasir of SIUT presented vote of thanks in the symposium.