A new study in the BMJ has found a big drop in the number of middle-aged people who die of cancer in the UK. But the story is very different for liver cancer.
The study looked at 23 types of cancer in people aged between 35 and 69. It found that over 25 years there was an increase in the number of cancers diagnosed. However, the overall death rate from cancer went down by 33% for women and 37% for men.
But when the researchers looked just at liver cancer, they found that over 25 years the death rate had gone up. By 79% for women and 82% for men. The biggest increase for any of the cancers in the study.
The number of liver cancer cases also showed the biggest average annual increase in the study.
Some other cancers showed smaller increases in their death rate. Including melanoma, oral, and kidney cancers.
The researchers highlighted several things that could be behind the drop in overall death rates. We know that similar changes are possible for liver cancer.
Screening finds more cancers early
Routine screening has had a big impact on reducing cancer deaths. The researchers looked at cancer data for the years 1993 to 2018. During this time, several national screening schemes were set up or expanded. This is probably why the overall number of cancers being diagnosed has gone up. But because those cancers were found earlier, the death rate from them has decreased.
Screening could also make a big difference to liver cancer death rates. Most liver cancer is preventable or treatable if it is found early. The British Liver Trust is calling on the government to increase the use of simple, painless liver scans in the community. These help to find those most at risk so that they can have regular surveillance checks.
Liver cancer is the fastest rising cause of cancer death in the UK and we know that the biggest risk factor is having pre-existing cirrhosis or viral hepatitis. The British Liver Trust is campaigning on behalf of all patients to improve early identification, treatment, and care. We also know that liver cancer is strongly associated with environmental risk factors such as alcohol harm and obesity so as well as focusing on early detection of liver cancer, it is essential that we look upstream and prioritise public health. Prevention measures are proven to be the most effective interventions to improve population health, cut costs and reduce health inequalities.
Vanessa Hebditch, director of communications and policy, The British Liver Trust.
National policies have a big impact on individual health.
We have now had many years of smoking prevention policies, and these are paying off. The study found a big fall in smoking related cancer deaths.
Many cases of liver cancer could be prevented if people are supported to make changes in their everyday life. Drinking too much alcohol greatly increases the risk of liver cancer and other health issues. Changes to the minimum price of alcohol in Scotland have already been shown to save lives and reduce hospital admissions. But much more action is needed across the UK.
The British Liver Trust is also calling for the implementation of all planned policies to limit the marketing of unhealthy food and drink. Being overweight is known to increase the risk of many types of cancer. Including liver cancer. But so far very little has been done about this. With the most disadvantaged people now most likely to be unable to access or afford a healthy diet.
It is great news that cancer deaths are falling overall. The results of this research show that positive change is possible. But the stark difference for liver cancer is very worrying. We know that liver cancer deaths could fall in the same way as many other cancers. The British Liver Trust will continue to campaign to make that happen.