ONE in six adults across the region could have undiagnosed liver disease, it is feared.
The British Liver Trust’s mobile screening and scanning unit visited several locations throughout Yorkshire and the Humber.
And of the several hundred passers-by it scanned, 15 per cent had a high reading and were sent to their doctor for further tests.
The charity says liver disease is a leading cause of death in England and Wales, with over 40 people a day dying from the illness.
Hospital admission rates for liver disease in Yorkshire and the Humber are above the national average and rising. In 2019-20 there were 8,330 admissions, compared to 5,270 in 2010-11.
The increase is largely attributed to an upsurge in the number of people who are drinking too much alcohol and overweight.
Pamela Healy, for the British Liver Trust, said: “Across the UK one in five of us are at risk of liver disease and the numbers of people being diagnosed have been increasing at an alarming rate. Liver damage develops silently – with no signs or symptoms – and people often don’t realise they have a problem until it is too late. Although the liver is remarkably resilient, if left until symptoms appear, the damage is often irreversible.”
For advice about reducing the risks, visit britishlivertrust.org.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here