DEATHS from liver cancer – one of the fastest growing forms of the disease – have surged by 50 per cent in just two decades.

A staggering 69,000 people died of the disease in Europe in 2023, up more than 20,000 on the 46,000 logged in 2000, a new report found.

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Deaths from liver cancer have surged in Europe in the past two decades Credit: Alamy

Drinking is a major driver of disease Credit: Getty

More than 280,000 people across the continent now live with liver cancer or cirrhosis – a type of liver disease caused by irreversible scarring to the organ – the study also showed.

The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL)–Lancet Commission, which authored the report, described the rising tide of liver disease in Europe as “an escalating but largely preventable public health crisis”.

It called on governments across the region to implement stronger strategies for preventing liver disease and cancer – including taxing harmful products like booze.

“Cirrhosis and liver cancer cause almost 780 deaths per day in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region, accounting for 3 per cent of all deaths.

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“Liver cancer is now the seventh most common cause of cancer death and second most common cause of premature death from cancer globally,” the report authors noted.

Estimates suggest that liver cancer and deaths from the disease are increasing steadily in the European region, they added.

Researchers said booze consumption, unhealthy diets and obesity were major drivers of death from liver disease in Europe.

Viral hepatitis – severe liver inflammation caused by viruses – was another factor.

The study authors also pointed to a concerning rise in cases of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a form of liver disease caused by having too much fat in the organ.

In a small number of people, the condition – which is not linked to heavy drinking – can lead to liver cancer.

While case numbers and deaths of people with MASH-related liver cancer remain low in Europe, the Commission said “it is predicted to become a leading future cause unless there is concerted and effective actionto mitigate the growth in disease burden associated withobesity and type 2 diabetes“.

It comes after experts estimated the disease may surge by more than 40 per cent by 2050.

Liver cancer often has no early symptoms, meaning it’s often spotted once it’s reached later stages.

You should seek help immediately if you experience the following symptoms:

Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)

Swelling of the tummy

Vomiting blood

Tarry, black, sticky poo

But other more subtle symptoms can include:

A general feeling of poor health

Loss of appetite

Fatigue and weakness

Feeling sick and vomiting

Weight loss

Discomfort over the liver area (upper right section of the tummy)

Itchy skin

Pale or grey poo

Dark urine

Loss of sex drive

The EASL Lancet Commission claimed that eliminating behavioural risk factors alone – such as drinking and poor diets – could almost halve liver disease cases, while also reducing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.

What increases the risk of liver cancer?

LIVER cancer is one of only a few common types of tumour that have increasing death rates.
Experts say unhealthy living, including obesity, drinking alcohol and smoking are fuelling a rise in cases and deaths from the disease.
What increases the risk of liver cancer?

Old age
Liver cirrhosis – scarring due to previous damage such as from drinking alcohol or an infection like hepatitis
Smoking 
Being overweight
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Diabetes
HIV or AIDS

The Commission said “Europe-wide regulations on digital advertising and marketing of alcohol and unhealthy foods and drinks” should be enforced – “particularly algorithm-driven marketing targeting those under 18 years”.

It also called for “legislation to require mandatory health warnings on alcohol-containing beverages at the point of purchase and consumption”, as well as improved screening and early detection, and better access to treatment for liver disease.

The British Liver Trust supported the Commission’s call for governments to use taxation to reduce the harm caused by unhealthy food and alcohol.

“Liver disease is one of the fastest‑growing causes of death in the UK, and much of it is preventable,” it stated.

“Alcohol and foods high in fat, salt and sugar are priced and marketed in ways that drive over‑consumption.

“Taxation is one of the most effective tools we have to shift population‑level behaviour, reduce consumption of harmful products, and fund the health and social care systems that are currently bearing the cost.”

The British charity also supported slapping health warnings on alcoholic drinks, noting that “most people are unaware of the risks” of booze when it comes to liver disease.

Vanessa Hebditch, Director of Policy at the British Liver Trust, said: “Without action, more lives will be lost to preventable liver disease. We cannot keep treating the consequences while ignoring the causes.”

“This isn’t about a nanny state – it’s about fairness.

“Right now, harmful products are cheap, heavily promoted and driving a growing liver disease crisis.

“Aligning taxation with the real health and societal costs, alongside clearer warnings and tighter marketing controls, would help prevent avoidable liver disease and save lives.”