A liver charity is launching a new cancer support hub after recent findings show that incident rates have increased by 45 percent in the UK over the past decade.
As well as a rise in cases, there are now over 40 percent more deaths from liver cancer in both men and women than there were over the same time period.
Health experts at the British Liver Trust have called these rises “worrying” and are encouraging people to use Liver Cancer UK to be aware.
As reported by Hull Live, this new resource sets out to help those affected get the help and support they need.
Pamela Healy, chief executive of British Liver Trust, said: “Liver cancer patients have told us that they didn’t realise that the British Liver Trust was also here for liver cancer patients – they were often confused and worried and did not know where to turn for help.
“We’ve created new resources and a website with targeted information to make it easier for people to get the help they need. The new programme of activity is in response to the very worrying increase in cases across the UK.
“We’re also deeply concerned that survival rates for liver cancer remain so low – a situation which needs to urgently change.”
Liver cancer warning signs
Symptoms of liver cancer include:
- weight loss
- loss of appetite feeling very full after eating
- feeling and being sick
- pain or swelling in your abdomen
- jaundice
- itchy skin
- feeling very tired and weak
- fever with shivers
- vomiting blood
- dark black “tarry” poo or dark urine
The British Liver Trust said that many of these symptoms do not appear until the cancer is more advanced, and it is calling for people with cirrhosis, who are most at risk, to be regularly screened for liver cancer.
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