Expert Opinion: Early detection key for treating hepatitis C - St. Petersburg Times

"Until 20 years ago, the medical profession didn't have a name for what we now call hepatitis C. Now the disease is recognized as a leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer, and the cause of an estimated 10,000 deaths a year in this country.

One reason it's so dangerous is that people with hepatitis C often don't show any symptoms in the early stages, and that's when treatment is most effective. So education and awareness are essential to treating the disease."