More than twice the number of premature deaths from liver disease in Wolverhampton, than the rest of England.
Wolverhampton has more than twice the average number of deaths from liver disease in the under 75s in England. Most liver disease can be prevented with earlier diagnosis and the national charity, the British Liver Trust is visiting the region to raise awareness.
The British Liver Trust’s Love Your Liver campaign is visiting Wolverhampton on Friday 23rd June and will be providing free liver checks in a branded mobile screening unit. The Love Your Liver awareness campaign aims to reach the one in five people in the UK who may have the early stages of liver disease, but are unaware of it.
Andrew Langford Chief Executive, British Liver Trust said, “Liver disease and cancer of the liver affects millions of people in the UK – and the numbers diagnosed have been increasing at an alarming rate. It is a silent killer and people often don’t realise they have a problem until it is too late. Although the liver is remarkably resilient, if left until you see signs it is often irreversible. I would urge everyone to take our online screener on our website to see if they are at risk and if you are in the area please pop down to our mobile screening unit”
Dr Ian Perry, Consultant Gastroenterologist of The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust said, “At the moment three quarters of the people we see already have cirrhosis when they are diagnosed with liver disease. We are delighted to be supporting the British Liver Trust with this campaign to raise awareness and alert people to the risk factors. Early diagnosis really can save lives.”
Liver disease is largely preventable. More than 90% is due to three main risk factors: obesity, alcohol and viral hepatitis. The British Liver Trust’s Love Your Liver campaign focuses on three simple steps to Love Your Liver back to health:
- Drink within recommended limits and have three consecutive days off alcohol every week
- Cut down on sugar, carbohydrates and fat and take more exercise
- Know the risk factors for viral hepatitis and get tested or vaccinated if at risk
The Roadshow comprises a mobile unit where people can take a free online screening test and find out if they are at risk. Free scanning will also be available using a non-invasive device. There will be expert advice on how to keep your liver healthy from healthcare professionals who will be on hand to provide advice on diet, exercise and healthy living.
The Trust provides support and detailed information for anyone with, or affected by a liver condition. For more information, details of all the screening events or to take the online ‘Love Your Liver’ health screener, visit www.britishlivertrust.org.uk//love-your-liver.
The British Liver Trust’s Love Your Liver mobile screening unit will be at Queen Square, Wolverhampton WV1 1TH on Friday 23rd June and anyone wishing to take advantage of this free event should attend between 10am and 4pm.