Post-cure: Liver health and ongoing monitoring for liver cancer

Key points

After being cured of hepatitis C, it is important for a person to take care of their overall health to prevent further liver injury.
Even after they are cured, people with cirrhosis have an increased risk of liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) and will need ongoing monitoring every six months.

Taking care of the liver

Even after someone is cured of hepatitis C and the virus can no longer harm the liver, maintaining liver health is a crucial aspect of post-cure care to prevent further liver injury. Many wellness strategies that promote a person’s overall health can also promote liver health. Although these strategies are not feasible or realistic for everyone, a person should be supported to take care of their health and their liver however they can.

Since liver disease affects the digestion, metabolism and absorption of nutrients, eating as healthily as possible and drinking plenty of water can help the liver regenerate or maintain itself. Similarly, light to moderate exercise can prevent obesity and steatosis (fat buildup around the liver) so that liver problems do not worsen. Getting vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, if a person is not already vaccinated, can also promote liver health by preventing them from getting further infections that injure the liver.

People with advanced cirrhosis may also want to avoid or reduce activities that can cause further liver injury. Alcohol can increase liver injury and the likelihood of developing liver cancer; considering this, stopping or reducing alcohol use and smoking may reduce the risk of further liver injury and health complications. Additionally, when using painkillers (i.e., Advil, Tylenol, Aspirin), individuals with hepatitis C should follow the dose instructions on the label, as these drugs can increase liver toxicity if a person takes more than the recommended doses. Reducing or stopping other drug use can also be beneficial to maintain liver health after having hepatitis C.

Ongoing monitoring for liver cancer after cure

Many people who have been cured of hepatitis C will require no further liver care after treatment. However, people with cirrhosis have an increased risk of a type of liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma even after they are cured. For people with cirrhosis, Canadian hepatitis C treatment guidelines recommend ongoing monitoring for liver cancer using ultrasound every six months. A person with cirrhosis will need ongoing monitoring for liver cancer, even if their liver health improves after treatment.

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