If you are identified by one of the risk factors, you should ask your doctor to perform a blood test for hepatitis. When hepatitis C becomes active, it affects the liver and can lead to cirrhosis or even liver cancer. Hepatitis C is the leading cause for liver transplants in the United States. However, if caught early and treated aggressively, it can often be resolved without need for a transplant. The VA will screen veterans who are in the risk categories for the disease and treat those veterans who can benefit from the treatment.
Treatment is usually with interferon , or a combination of interferon and rebetron .
Length of treatment can vary, and results can range from complete remission to partial suppression of the disease process, to no impact at all. As in so many diseases, early detection and treatment gives the best results. The Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs is actively engaged in a program to increase awareness among Florida's veterans about this disease and urge them to get a screening for it if they believe that they have one of the risk factors. Contact your private physician or the VA Health Care Facility nearest you if you questions or concerns.