See The Real Thing

See The Real Thing

Too many Australians ignorant to Hep C risk Time to vote for See The Real Thing finalists

Two-thirds of Australians in the age group most likely to be living with hepatitis C do not consider themselves at -any risk' of contracting the deadly infection, while a similar number are unaware of the link between hepatitis C and potentially fatal liver problems.

This is according to a nationwide survey of Australians aged 18-39 years – the age group that represents two-thirds of the 226,700 cases of hepatitis C in Australia.

Transmitted through blood-to-blood contact, the hepatitis C infection most frequently occurs through unsafe injecting drug use, however the disease can also be contracted through unsterile tattooing and body piercing. This year alone, based on previous trends, it is estimated that 11,000 new case of hepatitis C will be diagnosed.

Conducted by Galaxy Research, the survey found that many young Australians are unaware of the long-term health complications associated with hepatitis C, with the majority not understanding that the disease can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure or liver cancer.

'This survey underscores that many Australians do not understand hepatitis C risk factors. We need to change the mindset that sharing of equipment to inject drugs is the only way to get a hepatitis C infection," said Hepatitis Australia CEO Helen Tyrrell.

She added: 'While most new infections do occur this way there is also a growing concern that the rise in unsterile backyard tattooing and body piercing are putting many young people at increased risk of a hepatitis C infection."

The key findings of the survey, which was conducted online by 512 adults aged between 18-39 years, include:
There is considerable complacency among young Australians with most (68%) considering themselves at low risk of contracting hepatitis C. A further 25% are unsure of their risk level. Only 7% consider themselves at high risk of contracting the virus.
The majority of young Australians are unaware of the long term health complications associated with hepatitis C. While 24% understand that hepatitis C can lead to liver problems, the overwhelming majority (63%) are unaware of the link.
The majority (77%) of Australians aged 18-39 years have never been tested for the hepatitis C virus.
Few young Australians (14%) understand that hepatitis C can be cured. The majority (56%) are of the opinion that while it cannot be cured it can be controlled through medication.

The survey also revealed a lack of understanding of treatment options among young Australians, with only fourteen percent of those surveyed aware that the disease can be cured. Alarmingly, only two per cent of Australians currently diagnosed with hepatitis C receive treatment each year.

These findings come as Australian rock legend Russell Morris urged Australians to go online and participate in a community awareness campaign called See The Real Thing aimed at stemming the tide of liver disease caused by hepatitis C. The musician has thrown his support behind the campaign after seeing first-hand the impact of hepatitis C.

The campaign, supported by Hepatitis Australia and Janssen Australia, invited members of the public to produce a community service announcement, using aspects of Morris' 1969 international number one hit, -The Real Thing'. The campaign sponsor is offering a $10,000 cash prize for a community service announcement that best promotes positive action in the fight against hepatitis C.

Fox Sports News presenter and liver health ambassador Tom Chadwick, Helen Tyrrell, Russell Morris and Jen Anderson (musician and Hepatitis Australia Board Member) form the judging panel that has selected a shortlist of competition finalists who feature on the See The Real Thing website, with the public now invited to go online and vote for their favourite video.

'The real thing and the right thing to do is to go online and vote for the video that will help de-stigmatise hepatitis C and encourage people who are concerned about the infection to see a doctor and ask for a referral to a specialist," said Russell Morris.

For further information about the See The Real Thing hepatitis C awareness campaign visit www.seetherealthing.com.au. For further information about hepatitis C contact Hepatitis Australia www.hepatitisaustralia.com or the Hepatitis Australia National Infoline, 1300 437 222.