New figures released this month by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show a stark rise in liver cancer deaths, prompting Liver Cancer UK, part of the British Liver Trust, to call for urgent public health action.
The new data show that deaths from liver cancer in England and Wales increased by 41% between 2013 and 2024 with the disease now accounting for a greater share of overall deaths than in previous years. The sharp increase highlights the critical need for better prevention efforts and earlier diagnosis.
Despite advances in treatment for many cancers, liver cancer remains one of the deadliest, with survival rates heavily dependent on early diagnosis and proactive monitoring of high-risk groups. Currently, only around 13% of people diagnosed with liver cancer will survive for five years or more and just 8% will survive for ten years.
Liver cancer is one of the fastest rising causes of cancer death in the UK, with approximately 6,000 deaths annually – equating to 17 deaths per day. It often presents with subtle symptoms, making early diagnosis challenging. Common signs include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
Detecting the disease at an early stage is crucial, as it greatly increases the chances of survival.
The most common type of liver cancer in the UK is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the biggest risk factor for the development of liver cancer is pre-existing liver disease. Anyone can develop liver disease but alcohol use, being overweight, and viral hepatitis are the cause of up to 90% of cases.
Liver Cancer UK is urging the public to be aware of the risks and to seek medical advice if they believe they could be affected. They are also calling on the NHS to prioritise the identification and screening of individuals at high risk, including those with hepatitis, chronic liver disease, obesity, or a history of heavy alcohol use.
Pamela Healy OBE, Chief Executive at the British Liver Trust, said:
“This data paints a bleak picture for people diagnosed with liver cancer. If we’re going to change the narrative of rising mortality rates we urgently need a comprehensive public health strategy which includes expanding access to screening and early detection services, promoting lifestyle changes to reduce risk factors and increasing public awareness about liver cancer symptoms and prevention.”
Dr Anya Adair, Consultant Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgeon at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, said:
“Certain people are at an elevated risk for liver cancer, including those with chronic liver diseases resulting in cirrhosis which can be due to multiple causes including a history of heavy alcohol consumption, obesity, hepatitis and autoimmune diseases affecting the liver. Regular screening and surveillance in these high-risk groups can lead to earlier detection and better outcomes.”
Jane Michie, age 69 from Saltash, lost her husband John to liver cancer in 2022. She said:
“John was told he was at a higher risk of liver cancer because he had cirrhosis. He should have had regular monitoring but unfortunately a lot of his appointments were cancelled during the covid pandemic. In 2020 he started to have severe indigestion, abdominal discomfort and bloating and was eventually diagnosed with a tumour on the liver. Sadly he wasn’t well enough for a liver transplant and other treatments were unsuccessful. His final days were heartbreaking for the family. My advice to others is that if you’re worried about symptoms, don’t ignore them – trust your instincts and keep going back to your GP if something doesn’t feel right.”