Key Takeaways

• Nearly 113,000 liver fibroscan tests conducted, with over 8,400 referrals for liver cancer checks since 2022.
• The number of mobile liver scanning teams in the NHS has increased from 11 to 20 in two years, enhancing community outreach.
• Focused on at-risk groups, the program aims to identify liver conditions earlier for better treatment outcomes.

Expanding Liver Health Checks Through NHS

The NHS has made significant strides in its community liver health check program, with almost 113,000 liver fibroscan tests conducted since its launch in 2022. This initiative has resulted in approximately 8,500 referrals for liver cancer evaluations. The number of mobile liver scanning teams nearly doubled, increasing from 11 to 20 in just two years, according to a recent press release from NHS England.

Professor Peter Johnson, the NHS national cancer director, emphasized the importance of community access for early detection of cancers. “By reaching out into communities, we will catch more cancers at an early stage when the chances of successful treatment are much higher, which can save lives,” he stated. The program aims to address the health service’s broader focus on prevention, as outlined in the 10-year health plan.

Fibroscan tests are crucial for detecting cirrhosis or advanced fibrosis, conditions that significantly elevate the risk of liver cancer. Individuals identified with liver damage are referred for comprehensive testing, enabling timely diagnosis and treatment. The program notably targets high-risk populations, including those with a history of excessive alcohol consumption, hepatitis, or non-alcoholic liver disease, all of which can lead to liver cancer.

Once firmly categorized as at-risk through a fibroscan, patients are directed to hospital clinics for further evaluations and may enter a liver cancer surveillance program. This proactive measure is designed to catch cancer in its early stages when successful treatment is more likely. Those classified as low risk will receive information about their status and may be referred to their general practitioner for additional care.

Pamela Healy, chief executive of the British Liver Trust, praised the successful collaboration with NHS England, which has facilitated access to crucial services for liver health. “Liver cancer often develops silently, and many people are only diagnosed at a stage when treatment options are limited,” she remarked, underlining the significance of early detection. She noted that pre-existing cirrhosis is the leading risk factor for liver cancer, hence the importance of ongoing community checks to reach more susceptible individuals.

In a related effort, PocDoc, a digital health diagnostics company, has partnered with NHS Birmingham and Solihull to provide free heart health checks through a mobile unit, further promoting awareness of cancer screenings in the community. This initiative demonstrates a commitment not only to liver health but to overall wellness, emphasizing the importance of regular health checks as a preventive measure against serious conditions.

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