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Liver disease rises in England

Drinking and obesity are being blamed for the number of people suffering from liver disease in England rising while it is falling in other European countries.

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Liver disease increases in England

The number of people suffering from liver disease is on the increase in England while in other European countries it is decreasing, health experts said.

The UK's chief medical officer (CMO) Professor Dame Sally Davies said that obesity, undiagnosed hepatitis infections and harmful alcohol use are among the causes for the rising tide of disease.

Science and Medical Editor Lawrence McGinty reports:

Call for minimum alcohol unit price

These figures underline the urgent need for a 50p minimum unit price for alcohol, which would hit younger drinkers and heavy drinkers, while not greatly affecting moderate drinkers.

– Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians

Alcohol abuse is one of the greatest threats to public health in this country and it can only be tackled by robust regulation of the industry, along with a minimum unit price to prevent binge drinking.

– Dr Peter Carter, chief executive and general secretary at the Royal College of Nursing

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UK chief medical officer warns of liver disease threat

I have done a comprehensive analysis of the state of the country's health, and found some areas where we are doing really well and others where there is still a lot of improvement needed.

I was struck by the data on liver disease particularly. This is the only major cause of preventable death that is on the increase in England that is generally falling in other comparable European nations. We must act to change this.

– Professor Dame Sally Davies

Unhealthy lifestyle is 'fuelling liver disease'

Obesity, undiagnosed hepatitis infections and harmful alcohol use are among the causes for the rising tide of liver disease, experts have warned.

Alcohol use is among the causes for the rising tide of liver disease, experts have warned Credit: PA Wire

The UK's chief medical officer (CMO) Professor Dame Sally Davies has said that the public needs to have a better awareness about liver health as the three major causes of liver disease are all preventable.

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