Liver cancer deaths are rising - what you need to know

New analysis of Office for National Statistics (ONS) mortality data by Liver Cancer UK, part of Liver UK, shows that liver cancer is the fastest‑rising cancer in England and Wales of the 20 most common cancers. But it’s also one of the most preventable. If you want to know more about the symptoms to look out for and what you can do to reduce your risk, this article might help.

Why are liver cancer deaths rising so fast?

سرطان الكبد often develops with few or subtle symptoms, and many only appear once it’s become advanced. By that point, treatment options are more limited, and survival outcomes are poorer.

The biggest risk factor is pre-existing liver disease - including cirrhosis - which saw an increase in the rate of premature deaths in England by 42% between 2001 and 2023. Premature deaths from alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) also increased by almost 60% over the same period.

Like liver cancer, liver disease can be symptomless for years, creating the conditions in which cancer can develop.

Pamela Healy is Chief Executive at Liver UK, and keen to see a reduction in the upward trend.

“While deaths from some major cancers are falling, liver cancer deaths are rising, and we cannot accept that as inevitable,” she says. “The sharp rise should be a wake-up call.”

Symptoms of liver cancer - what to look out for

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of primary liver cancer in the UK. While symptoms can be subtle, there are some signs that should prompt medical attention. These can be caused by many conditions, not just liver cancer, but they should always be assessed by a healthcare professional.

تشمل:

• فقدان الوزن غير المبرر.

• Persistent nausea or vomiting.

• Pain or swelling in the upper right abdomen.

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).

• Itchy skin.

• تعب شديد or weakness.

• فقدان الشهية.

How to reduce your risk of liver cancer

While not all cases of liver cancer can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and help keep your liver healthy.

تشمل هذه الأشياء:

• Limiting your alcohol intake - drinking excessive alcohol puts strain on your liver, leading to inflammation, scarring and, over time, conditions such as cirrhosis. Reducing your alcohol intake, or avoiding it altogether, can drastically lower the risks. Try choosing alcohol-free days each week, and staying within recommended guidelines to protect yourself.

• الحفاظ على وزن صحي - being overweight or obese increases your chance of developing fatty liver disease. Having a balanced diet and regular physical activity can reduce it.

• Managing diabetes - if you have diabetes, managing it well will minimise the likelihood of developing liver issues, particularly fatty liver disease. Medication, نظامك الغذائي, exercise, and regular monitoring can all help reduce stress on your liver, lowering your risk of complications.

• Attending regular liver check-ups if you have liver disease - this is really important as regular monitoring allows healthcare professionals to keep an eye on your liver function, identify any changes early, and adjust treatment if needed. Early action could prevent complications and help you stay healthy in the long-term.

“We know much of the risk is linked to liver disease, and there are opportunities to make a real difference,” says Healy. “We need stronger action on prevention, and better identification of people at increased risk to ensure they receive regular surveillance.”

Liver UK recommends getting vaccinated for hepatitis B if you're more likely to be exposed to the virus. It also advises getting tested and treated for hepatitis C if you're in a group with a higher chance of infection.