NHS scanning trucks help thousands get potentially life-saving liver cancer checks

The number of mobile liver scanning teams has almost doubled in the last 2 years, with 20 roaming teams now offering scans to communities in every region of England – up from 11 when the pilot started.

Almost 113,000 people (112,831) have had a fibroscan of their liver, and almost 8,500 (8,470) have been referred on for vital liver cancer checks since the programme began.

The on-the-spot scans check for cirrhosis or advanced fibrosis which increases the risk of liver cancer. If liver damage is detected people are referred on for further tests, helping to catch cancers earlier and ensuring people can get the right treatment and support.

The NHS programme is targeting at-risk groups in the community, including people with high levels of alcohol consumption, a current diagnosis or history of past viral hepatitis, or non-alcoholic liver disease, as these factors increase the risk of developing liver cancer.

The mobile trucks move around different areas offering checks in GP practices, recovery services, food banks, diabetes clinics, sexual health clinics and homeless shelters to perform quick, non-invasive scans.

NHS teams delivering the scans are working closely with local community and charities to identify people most in need of tests and support, and some have also partnered with GP practices to scan people with conditions including type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Some areas have also taken the scanning vehicles to football matches, workplaces and outside supermarkets, making it as convenient as possible for people to get tested.

Patients found to be at an increased risk of liver cancer are referred for further testing in hospital clinics, where some may join a surveillance programme designed to catch cancer earlier. Those at lower risk are given information about their health and referred back to their GP if needed.

In some areas, peer support workers are also helping patients access appointments. 

Carol Williams-Powell, a former hepatitis C patient who now works with a West Yorkshire community team, explained:

“I can help reduce that worry and show that it doesn’t have to be a big thing to have checks, and it’s always better than any problems are spotted as early as possible.”

Liver cancer is the fastest-rising cause of cancer deaths in the UK, with hepatocellular carcinoma accounting for 85% of cases. Detecting disease early is vital. 

Pamela Healy OBE, Chief Executive of the British Liver Trust, said:

“Detecting liver disease earlier is so vital—these checks must continue across communities to reach even more people at risk.”