My Family's Story with Hep B and a Quest for a Better World | Colin Chu | TEDxYouth@TheNuevaSchool

TL;DR

• A man's struggle with undiagnosed Hepatitis B leads to advocacy for new legislation and innovative diagnostic research.

Transcript

so I'd like to begin with a story once upon a time there was a young businessman he was in his late 30s he was almost throughout his entire life healthy he loved to travel he was an active father and he was a weekend warrior but one way one weekend he started to have terrible abdominal pain he went to the emergency room but they told him it was pro... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥺 Hepatitis B is a serious viral infection that can lead to liver cancer and fibrosis.
• ❓ Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis can significantly impact a patient's prognosis and treatment options.
• 🚚 Micro RNAs show promise as biomarkers for quick and accurate detection of liver cancer.
• 🖐️ Advocacy efforts, such as lobbying for new legislation, play a crucial role in improving healthcare practices and access to testing.
• 🪛 Technology and communication advancements empower individuals, especially youth, to drive change and innovation in healthcare.
• 🚚 Liver cancer caused by Hepatitis B disproportionately affects African and Asian Americans.
• 🚚 Early detection and proper diagnosis are crucial in improving outcomes for patients with Hepatitis B-related liver cancer.

Questions & Answers

Q: What was the cause of the man's father's abdominal pain?

The man's father was suffering from Hepatitis B, a virus that infects the liver and can progress to cancer and fibrosis. Over 800,000 people die from Hepatitis B annually worldwide.

Q: How did the misdiagnosis of the man's father's condition impact his treatment and ultimately his life?

The misdiagnosis delayed the correct diagnosis of liver cancer caused by Hepatitis B, resulting in a prognosis of only three months to live. Unfortunately, the man's father passed away from liver cancer.

Q: How did the speaker utilize micro RNAs in his scientific research for liver cancer diagnosis?

The speaker identified three unique micro RNAs with significantly different expression levels in liver cancer patients compared to healthy volunteers. This research holds promise for a novel blood-based diagnostic for liver cancer.

Q: What advocacy efforts did the speaker undertake to raise awareness about Hepatitis B and improve diagnostics?

The speaker lobbied for new legislation, AB 789, which requires primary health clinics in California to offer a one-time optional test for Hepatitis B to adult patients. This advocacy aims to prevent misdiagnoses and improve early detection of Hepatitis B.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• A man's father faced misdiagnosis and ultimately succumbed to liver cancer caused by Hepatitis B, sparking a journey of advocacy and research.

• The speaker delved into scientific research on micro RNAs as potential biomarkers for quick and accurate liver cancer detection.

• Through lobbying efforts, new legislation was passed in California requiring primary health clinics to offer Hepatitis B testing to adult patients.