Alcohol Is To Blame For 7% of Cases Of One Of UK's Deadliest Cancers
Liver cancer is on the rise in the UK, claiming more lives than ever before. Despite being preventable in over half of cases, death rates have doubled in just two decades. With 5,800 lives lost annually, it’s now the fastest-rising cancer killer.
The Study
New analysis from Cancer Research UK shows that deaths from liver cancer have surged, increasing from 2,200 per year in the late 1990s to 5,800 annually today. It's a trend driven partly by the UK’s aging and growing population, but survival rates remain stubbornly low compared to other cancer types. Currently, just 13 per cent of those diagnosed in England survive for at least five years.
The Results
Preventable risk factors play a significant role in liver cancer cases. Nearly a quarter are linked to being overweight or obese, over 20 per cent are caused by smoking, and around seven per cent are attributed to excessive alcohol consumption. Despite its current ranking as the eighth most common cause of cancer death, liver cancer is expected to climb to sixth place by 2040, with mortality rates projected to rise by a further 10 per cent.
What This Means For Us
Cancer Research UK is urging the government to implement measures that encourage healthier lifestyles. Dr Ian Walker, the charity’s executive director of policy, said: 'The UK government has the opportunity to help people live more healthily, which could save thousands of lives, and save the NHS millions.'
Sophia Lowes, senior health information manager at the charity, added: 'This January, try to build healthy habits that last to reduce your risk of cancer. Keeping a healthy weight, stopping smoking, and cutting back on alcohol can make all the difference.
'Signs and symptoms of liver cancer include unexplained weight loss, jaundice – the yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes – itching, feeling sick, or having a swollen tummy. But whether it’s one of these symptoms or not, you know your body best. If you spot something that’s not normal for you, talk to your doctor. In most cases, it won’t be cancer, but it’s best to get it checked out.'
The Bottom Line
Prevention and early diagnosis are going to be the best ways to arrest liver cancer's rising death toll. Healthier habits and keeping a close eye out for symptoms will go along way to helping people reduce their risk. Don’t ignore changes in your body – early action could save your life.
More Health Stories
Doctors Say Obesity Is Being Over-Diagnosed, This Measurement Could Be Better than BMI
Why Muscle Dysmorphia Is Only Getting Bigger and More Defined
What Happens to Your Poop When You Only Eat Ultra-Processed Food? This Guy Found Out
You Might Also Like
