Liver disease at its highest level in two decades following alarming 40% rise
A “SILENT epidemic” means avoidable deaths from liver disease have risen by 40% since 2001 to the highest level in two decades, a charity says.
The mortality rate among under-75s in England surged from 15.4 per 100,000 people in 2001 to 21.4 in 2022.
This meant the number of people dying prematurely from liver disease rose from 6,140 annually to 10,593.
Urgent action is now needed, says The British Liver Trust, which highlighted the new figures released by the
Office of Health Improvement and Disparities.
Chief executive Pamela Healy said: “Liver disease is the forgotten killer compared to heart disease, strokes and diabetes.
“If we do not address prevention and significantly improve the early detection and diagnosis of liver disease, mortality levels will continue to rise at a staggering rate.
“Worryingly, many of these deaths are in young people, who are still of working age.”
Around 90% of cases are linked to alcohol, obesity or viral hepatitis, the charity noted – and unlike many conditions, it often develops with no noticeable symptoms.
Three quarters of sufferers are only diagnosed with cirrhosis when it is too late for effective treatment.
Better access to screening could help catch the disease early, allowing people to make lifestyle changes to halt or even reverse the disease, the Trust said.
Ms Healy added: “Many of these deaths are due to alcohol consumption – and there’s a widespread myth that you have to be an ‘alcoholic’ to get liver disease. However, there are many people in the UK drinking at levels that could put their liver at risk.
“The continued lack of action from the Government on this needs to change if we are going to stop unnecessary deaths and address the public health emergency.
“Bold and innovative action is needed to address the critical need for immediate and concerted efforts to tackle this escalating health crisis.”
‘The continued lack of action on this from the Government needs to change’