Liver disease deaths on rise in England

21 November 2012

The Guardian

Deaths from liver disease among under-65s rose 20% between 2000 and 2009 while falling elsewhere in Europe.

"All the three major causes of liver disease - obesity, undiagnosed infection and, increasingly, harmful drinking - are preventable", Dame Sally Davies (chief medical officer) said.

Sir Richard Thompson, president of the Royal College of Physicians, said:  "We echo the concerns of the CMO, which could not have come at a better time as we await the government's decision on the most appropriate level for a minimum price for alcohol.  These figures underline the urgent need for a 50p minimum unit price, which would hit younger drinkers and heavy drinkers while not greatly affecting moderate drinkers."

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