But his story parallels that of many Baby Boomers infected with Hepatitis C. In the U.S., Hepatitis C is the number one risk factor for primary liver cancer. It's also the leading cause of the need for liver transplants.
Liver cancer typically strikes people in their 60s, like Frazier. And liver cancer is one of just two cancers on the increase right now (malignant melanoma is the other). Baby Boomers (like Joe Frazier) make up two thirds to three quarters of those currently infected with Hepatitis C. Most don't know they are infected. Some won't find out until their livers begin to fail or they develop the symptoms of liver cancer.
Only about ten percent of people diagnosed with liver cancer survive for five years. People with advanced liver cancer often die within a year of diagnosis.
Testing all Baby Boomers NOW is the only way to prevent more deaths. Hepatitis C can be treated and cured. Once the virus is eliminated, the risks of liver cancer, liver failure, and other outcomes of Hepatitis C, begin to decrease.
Get tested now...and talk with your city, state and federal legislators and represenatives about the need for funding to increase Hepatitis C testing and treatment.