On-the-spot scans identifying at-risk individuals
Mobile NHS units have identified 2,200 individuals at risk of deadly liver cancer through on-the-spot scans in car parks. The trucks, equipped with liver scanning technology, visited high-risk communities across England between June 2022 and September 2023, including GP practices, food banks, diabetes clinics, and homeless shelters. The initiative aims to catch cases of cirrhosis or advanced fibrosis, the leading causes of liver cancer, early on to improve survival rates.
Early detection saves lives
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS Clinical Director for Cancer, emphasized the importance of early detection in saving lives. He stated that bringing liver scans into communities has already helped identify thousands of people with liver damage who need further monitoring, investigation, or treatment. The NHS expects to help tens of thousands more patients receive an early diagnosis in the future.
Rising rates of liver cancer in the UK
According to experts, liver cancer cases in England have doubled over the past decade, making it the fastest rising cause of cancer death in the country. Factors contributing to the increase include alcohol abuse and obesity. The disease is more common in men, individuals over 60, and those with conditions such as hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, gallstones, diabetes, and HIV.
Improving survival rates
Currently, only one in three liver cancers are diagnosed at an early stage. However, the NHS's mobile scanning initiative aims to increase the proportion of cases caught early and prevent them from occurring in high-risk individuals. Those identified as high risk are provided with information about their level of risk and referred to their GP if necessary. Patients may then be enrolled in a six-month liver surveillance care program.
The importance of early scanning
Pamela Healy, of the British Liver Trust, stressed the significance of early scanning in improving outcomes for liver cancer patients. She highlighted that the earlier the cancer is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment. As liver cancer often has no symptoms in the early stages, community liver health checks like the mobile scanning initiative play a vital role in saving lives.
