LIVER Cancer UK, part of the British Liver Trust, is calling for urgent action as NHS data published this week reveals a 5.4% increase in liver cancer incidence across England. 

The new data shows that new cases of liver cancer grew from 7,672 in 2020 to 8,085 in 2022 which included 4,700 new cases in males and 3,385 in females.

Liver cancer incidence across the UK has surged by 42% over the past decade and there are now around 5,800 liver cancer deaths every year. It has 1 of the lowest survival rates out of all cancer types and is showing the fastest increase in mortality. Just 13% of people diagnosed with liver cancer in the UK will survive for 5 years or more.

The rise in liver cancer cases is attributed to several factors. 80% of people with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer have an underlying liver disease and it’s thought that 1 in 3 people in the UK are at risk of liver disease due to harmful levels of alcohol consumption, rising obesity rates and the growing prevalence of hepatitis infections.

Vanessa Hebditch, Director of Policy at the British Liver Trust said:- “We cannot ignore this rising tide of liver cancer. The NHS statistics published today highlight an urgent public health issue that demands immediate attention and action. Liver cancer is often preventable and the majority of people who are diagnosed will have an underlying liver condition. Improving liver health and surveillance of people with liver disease is vital to reduce the number of people losing their lives to liver cancer. We were pleased to work with NHS England on new minimum standards for liver cancer surveillance which were published this year and we now need to ensure that they are implemented across all liver services. Every person who is high-risk should be part of regular screening programmes.” 

Liver Cancer UK is committed to raising awareness about the importance of liver health, promoting early detection, and advocating for improved access to treatment and care for those affected. In particular, in order to facilitate early diagnosis and improve outcomes, the charity is calling for the establishment of a new clear treatment pathway and for every patient diagnosed to be referred to a specialist centre and to have their case discussed promptly by a multidisciplinary team to reduce variation in care. 

Professor Stephen Ryder, Consultant Hepatologist at NHS Nottingham University Hospital, said:- “Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding drinking alcohol excessively and protecting yourself against viral hepatitis are the best ways to prevent both liver disease and liver cancer. If you are at risk due to a known liver disease, a diagnosis of hepatitis or diabetes, or a history of excess alcohol use, then it’s important that you speak to your healthcare provider about screening programmes.”

Mandy Ambert, age 67 from Newcastle-under-Lyme, was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2022 following regular screening of her pre-existing liver disease. She said:- “I am living proof that screening programmes for liver cancer are vital. Because my liver cancer was picked up early I was able to have a successful transplant operation and I’m living well.”

Liver Cancer UK is part of the British Liver Trust and was launched in 2022 in response to rising cases of liver cancer across the UK. For more information about liver cancer and its risk factors visit www.livercanceruk.org