‘Celtic gene’ increases risk of liver cancer

Researchers call for early testing to spot genetic disorder that is made worse by heavy drinking

THE “Celtic gene” increases by tenfold the risk of developing liver cancer, a study has found, as sufferers are urged to avoid binge drinking.

Haemochromatosis, the Western world’s most common genetic disorder, causes patients to absorb too much iron from their diet. Its accumulation around the body can cause organ damage.

More than 7 per cent of men with the disorder will develop liver cancer by the age of 75, compared with 0.6 per cent of the general population, according to projections by researchers at the University of Exeter, published in the journal JAMA.

The faulty genes are particularly prevalent in Celtic bloodlines and 175,000 men and boys of European ancestry in the UK are affected. Symptoms may include tiredness, muscle weakness and joint pain. Patients with haemochromatosis but no liver disease are generally advised to keep below the Government’s guidance on safe drinking (no more than 14 units a week on a regular basis), as well as have their high iron levels treated regularly.

Drinking a lot of alcohol can contribute to liver damage caused by very high iron levels. For those with particularly severe liver damage, their doctor may advise them to avoid alcohol altogether.

The findings have prompted renewed calls for routine early testing to be carried out for the genetic disorder. Prof

David Melzer, from the University of Exeter, who led the research, said: “Tragically, men with the haemochromatosis faulty genes have been dying of liver cancer for many years, but this was thought to be rare.

“We were shocked to find that more than 7 per cent of men with two faulty genes are likely to develop liver cancer by age 75, particularly considering that the UK has the second highest rate of these faulty genes in the world.

“Fortunately, most of these cancers could be prevented with early treatment. Blood donations made during routine treatment of haemochromatosis can be used for other patients, so early diagnosis would actually be a winwin for the NHS.”

Using data from the UK Biobank, the researchers analysed 1,294 men. They found that 21 developed liver cancer and 14 died from the disease.

Liver damage can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, and then potentially lead to liver cancer.

However, once diagnosed, sufferers can be treated by having the iron levels in their blood reduced with a straightforward procedure, similar to blood donation, several times a year. Mark Williams, 54, was diagnosed with haemochromatosis after seeking a second opinion on a sore shoulder. The doctor carried out a blood test and noticed his iron levels were high.

The father of four, from Westcliff-onSea, Essex, lost his father to liver cancer caused by the genetic disorder.

“My dad went his entire life with this terrible condition, and he was completely unaware,” he said. “It was such a shock. If I hadn’t seen a doctor who spotted the signs, I could be looking at developing cancer in my 70s too.”