NHS scanning trucks help 113k people get liver cancer checks

Almost 113,000 people have had a fibroscan of their liver and nearly 8,500 have been referred for liver cancer checks following the expansion of the NHS’ community liver health check programme. The number of mobile liver scanning teams has almost doubled in the last two years, with 20 roaming teams offering scans to communities across England, up from 11 when the pilot started, NHS England said in a press release. It added that 112,831 people have had a fibroscan of their liver and 8,470 have been referred on for vital liver cancer checks since the programme began in 2022. Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national cancer director, said: “By reaching out into communities and making it easier for people to get checked, we will catch more cancers at an early stage, when the chances of successful treatment are much higher, and this can save lives. “This programme has seen thousands more people referred for important further tests, allowing them to get vital treatment sooner alongside the support they need from the NHS to lead healthier lives. “It’s a great example of the health service increasing its focus on prevention, as set out in the 10 year health plan.” The on-the-spot scans check for cirrhosis or advance fibrosis which increases the risk of liver cancer. If liver damage is detected people are referred on for further tests, helping to catch cancers earlier and ensuring people can get the right treatment and support. The NHS programme is targeting at risk groups in the community, including people with high levels of alcohol consumption, a current diagnosis or history of past vital hepatitis, or non-alcoholic liver disease, as these factors increase the risk of developing liver cancer. Patients found to be at an increased risk of developing liver cancer following a fibroscan are referred for further testing in a hospital clinic where they might be put on a liver cancer surveillance programme, which aims to detect cancer earlier when there is a higher chance of successful treatment. People who are deemed at low risk of liver cancer or cirrhosis will be provided with information about their level of risk and referred to their GP if needed. Pamela Healy, chief executive at the British Liver Trust, said: “We’re delighted to have worked closely with NHS England on this programme, which has successfully helped thousands of people access the care and support they need to protect their liver health and reduce their risk of liver cancer. “Liver cancer often develops silently, and many people are only diagnosed at a stage when treatment options are limited. “We know that the biggest risk factor is pre-existing cirrhosis, which is why detecting liver disease earlier is so vital. It’s crucial that these checks continue across communities to reach even more people at risk.”