Death rates for liver cancer have more than doubled in 20 years (Image: Getty)
Death rates for liver cancer have doubled in the last 20 years, making it the UK’s fastest rising killer, analysis reveals.
Charity Cancer Research UK found the disease now claims 5,800 lives every year, compared to 2,200 annually in the late 1990s.
The UK’s ageing and growing population is one factor driving up cases and deaths. But while survival rates for other cancer types have improved thanks to research, improvements in survival rates for liver cancer have not kept pace.
Just 13% of people diagnosed currently survive for at least five years in England.
More than half of liver cancer cases are thought to be preventable, with almost a quarter linked to being overweight or and more than a fifth caused by .
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Some 7% of cases are also thought to be caused by drinking too much .
Sophia Lowes, senior health information manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “This January, try to build healthy habits that last to reduce your risk of cancer.
“Keeping a , 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.”
Liver cancer death rates are projected to rise by 10% by 2040, making it one of the only cancers that could see an increase in mortality.
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It is currently the 8th most common cause of cancer death but is expected to move to 6th position by 2040.
Cancer Research UK is also urging the Government to prevent the disease by helping people live healthier lives.
The charity’s executive director of policy, Dr Ian Walker, said: “The UK government has the opportunity to help people live more healthily, which could save thousands of lives, and save the millions.
“This is particularly important for liver cancer, where around half of all cases are preventable.
“One of the key risk factors for the disease is smoking, which is why we are asking all MPs to support the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
“It’s essential that this is passed into law as soon as possible, to bring us closer to a smokefree UK and a future free from the harms of tobacco.”