22 July – 28 July 2025 marks Hepatitis Awareness Week in Australia, culminating with World Hepatitis Day on 28 July. Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, usually caused by viral infections such as hepatitis A, B, C, D, or E. Many people living with hepatitis, remain unaware of their infection until it progresses. Left untreated, chronic hepatitis can cause cirrhosis, liver failure, or even liver cancer.
Even with Hepatitis Awareness Week now over, National Capital Private Hospital is continuing its efforts to boost awareness and shine a light on hepatitis — a serious yet often silent disease that affects thousands of Australians every year.
Meet A/Prof Christopher Lim – (Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic, Upper Gastrointestinal & General Surgeon)
A/Prof Christopher Lim is a leading surgeon with specialised expertise in complex oncological surgeries of the liver, pancreas, and biliary tree. His practice also encompasses cancers of the stomach and oesophagus, as well as benign conditions such as gallstones and hernias. He places a strong focus on minimally invasive techniques, including keyhole surgery.
Renowned not only for excellent surgical outcomes, A/Prof Lim is widely recognised for his warmth, thoughtfulness, and dedication to his patients.
A graduate of the prestigious and highly competitive Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (AANZHPBA) Fellowship Program, he was awarded the Padbury Trophy for outstanding performance in the exit examinations. His academic rigour is also demonstrated by numerous publications in high-impact medical journals. He completed his fellowship at Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH) in Sydney — the highest-volume pancreatic surgery centre in Australasia. This experience further fuelled his passion and honed his skills in complex, high-stakes surgery, positioning him as a leading figure in his field.
Q: What causes hepatitis?
Hepatitis simply means inflammation of the liver. In Australia, the most common causes are non-viral, mainly fatty liver disease (related to obesity, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle) and excessive alcohol consumption. However, viral hepatitis B and C continue to affect some communities, such as people born in countries where viral hepatitis is common, and people who may be exposed through certain behaviours such as injecting drugs.
Q: Why should I know about hepatitis?
Hepatitis often causes no symptoms at first, but ongoing inflammation — no matter the cause — can damage liver cells over time. This can progress to chronic liver disease, scarring (fibrosis), and cirrhosis, greatly increasing the risk of liver failure and liver cancer.
Early detection matters because liver injury can often be reversed in its early stages through lifestyle changes or medical treatment. Being aware of your risk factors gives you the opportunity to get tested early and seek appropriate care.
Q: What are the warning signs and symptoms of chronic liver disease?
Chronic liver disease often has no noticeable symptoms early on, so don’t wait for symptoms to get checked if you’re at risk. When signs do appear, they are often subtle and easily missed – such as persistent tiredness, reduced appetite, nausea, or itching. As the disease advances and liver function declines, more overt signs may develop, like yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), bruising easily, swelling of the legs or abdomen, and confusion.
Q: What can be done about hepatitis-related liver cancer — can it be prevented or treated?
- Keep a healthy weight and stay active
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Get tested for hepatitis B and C if you’re at risk; hepatitis C is highly curable with modern antiviral treatment, and hepatitis B can be well controlled
- Use harm reduction measures like sterile needles and safe injecting practices to prevent viral hepatitis transmission
- Undergo regular monitoring if you have chronic liver disease. Liver cancer treatment is most effective when started early, so timely detection is critical
A/Prof Christopher Lim:
Capital Specialist Centre — Unit 12/2 King Street, Deakin, ACT 2600
