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Liver Disease in the UK

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Liver Disease is on the rise in the UK, making scientific research in early diagnosis and treatment more vital than ever before to address steadily rising deaths.

“90% of liver disease is preventable, yet it is expected to overtake heart disease as the biggest cause of premature death in the UK. Three quarters of patients are diagnosed at a late stage with very limited options for treatment or intervention.” - Professor Roger Williams CBE, while chairing the Lancet Commission into Liver Disease in the UK, 2019

Rising Prevalence and Mortality Rates

  • Liver disease mortality in England has increased by 400% since 1970, making it one of the fastest-growing causes of death in the country (UKHSA, 2014)
  • According to the Liver Disease Profile (December 2024 Update), the age-standardised mortality rate for liver disease in England rose to 21.1 per 100,000 population in 2023, up from 17.8 per 100,000 in 2013 (UK Government, 2024)
  • In Scotland, deaths from chronic liver disease increased from 14.6 per 100,000 in 2010 to 20.1 per 100,000 in 2022 (Scottish Public Health Observatory, 2023)
  • The UK now has one of the highest liver disease mortality rates in Western Europe, with over 13,000 deaths annually (Lancet, 2019)

Alcohol-Related Liver Disease (ARLD)

  • Alcohol-related liver disease accounts for over 60% of all liver disease deaths in the UK (UK Government, 2023)
  • In Scotland, approximately 1,200 alcohol-related liver deaths occur annually, representing a 30% increase over the past decade (Scottish Government, 2018)
  • A UK-wide analysis found that alcohol consumption was the primary factor in 63% of liver transplants between 2010 and 2020 (UK Government, 2023)

Obesity and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

  • Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) affects one in three adults in the UK, with 25% of these cases progressing to more severe liver conditions (Public Health England, 2024)
  • The prevalence of NAFLD has risen by 150% since 1990, correlating with the rise in obesity rates (Lancet, 2019)
  • More than 1 in 10 children in the UK are now estimated to have early signs of fatty liver disease due to obesity (UK Government, 2024)

Hepatitis and Viral Liver Disease

  • Hepatitis C-related liver disease deaths have fallen by 20% since 2015 due to improved treatment access, but hepatitis B remains a concern, particularly among migrant populations (UK Government, 2023)
  • The prevalence of hepatitis B in the UK is estimated at 0.3% of the population, with higher rates in urban centres (WHO European Health Database)

Geographical and Socioeconomic Disparities

  • Liver disease mortality rates in deprived areas are four times higher than in more affluent areas (UK Government, 2023)
  • The North East of England has the highest mortality rate from liver disease, at 25 per 100,000 people, compared to 12 per 100,000 in the South East (UK Government, 2024)

These statistics demonstrate that liver disease is a growing crisis in the UK. Addressing these by further advancing the diagnosis and treatment of liver disease and related conditions is key, whilst supporting targeted public health interventions and improved access to healthcare, all essential to reversing these trends. 

By supporting our research, you’ll help to improve the chances of early diagnosis and successful treatment for those impacted by liver disease.

help us fight liver disease today

As a scientific research charity, the Foundation is not able to offer medical advice or comment on individual cases. For adult and child patient support, please contact the British Liver Trusts Nurse Led Helpline.

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