Liver cancer cases in the UK have risen by 180% since the 1990s. Learn why, who is most at risk, and how early detection and nutrition can improve outcomes.
How Common Is Liver Cancer in the UK?
Primary liver cancer is still less common than breast, prostate, or bowel cancer in the UK — but it’s one of the fastest growing.
- Around 6,600 new cases are diagnosed each year.
- Rates have risen 180% since the early 1990s.
- By 2040, cases are projected to reach ~9,700 per year.
Men are affected at roughly twice the rate of women. But within subtypes, women are more likely to develop intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), showing how risk isn’t evenly distributed.
Why Are Liver Cancer Cases Rising?
The shift is largely explained by changing risk factors:
- Metabolic conditions: MASLD/NASH, type 2 diabetes, and obesity now drive many cases.
- Alcohol: Heavy, chronic use remains a major contributor.
- Viral hepatitis: Hepatitis B and C remain important but vaccination (HBV) and antivirals (HCV) are reducing impact in the UK.
- Other contributors: Smoking, certain genetic conditions, and in rare cases, toxins such as aflatoxins.
Clinic insight: A common misconception I hear is “I don’t drink, so I’m not at risk.” In reality, I’m seeing more patients whose cancer is linked to fatty liver and metabolic health — not alcohol. Stigma stops people from realising they’re vulnerable.
Who Is Most at Risk of Liver Cancer in the UK?
You may be at higher risk if you have:
- Cirrhosis (from any cause)
- MASLD/NASH (linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes)
- Chronic hepatitis B or C
- Heavy alcohol use over many years
- Autoimmune or bile duct diseases (e.g., PSC, IBD, iCCA risk in women)
Age is also a factor — most cases are diagnosed over the age of 60.
Why Does Early Detection Matter So Much?
- 44% of stage 4 cases in England are diagnosed via emergency routes.
- Late-stage diagnosis is strongly linked to poor survival.
- 5-year survival averages <15%, but early detection raises survival to ~37–38%.
This makes risk-based surveillance (ultrasound and AFP blood tests) vital in cirrhosis or other high-risk patients.
The Role of Nutrition, Exercise, and Muscle Mass
While you can’t “eat away” liver cancer, good nutritional care is a key part of improving outcomes.
- Protects against malnutrition and sarcopenia (muscle loss), which are linked to worse survival.
- Supports treatment tolerance — patients with good muscle mass often cope better with surgery, transplant, or systemic therapies.
- Maintains function and quality of life during and after treatment.
Clinic insight: I often see people come in with rapid weight and muscle loss, assuming it’s “just part of the disease.” With early dietetic support — small, frequent meals, protein-focused strategies, and resistance activity — we can slow that decline and improve both strength and energy.
FAQs on Liver Cancer in the UK
How common is liver cancer in the UK?
About 6,600 new cases are diagnosed each year, projected to rise to ~9,700 annually by 2040.
Why are liver cancer cases increasing?
Mainly due to obesity, type 2 diabetes, MASLD/NASH, and alcohol use. Viral hepatitis is declining as a cause.
Who is most at risk?
People with cirrhosis, MASLD, chronic hepatitis, heavy alcohol use, or bile duct diseases such as PSC.
Does nutrition make a difference?
Yes — maintaining muscle mass and strength improves outcomes and treatment tolerance.
Final Thought
Liver cancer is one of the fastest-rising cancers in the UK — but awareness, screening, and lifestyle support can change the story.
And if you’re still telling yourself “it won’t happen to me”? Neither did the 6,600 people diagnosed last year.