Liver Commission: Protecting Europe’s Next Generation From Liver Disease

Liver disease is a leading cause of years of working life lost in Europe, second only to ischaemic heart disease. One of the continuing problems has been the focus on end-stage liver disease and its complications – cirrhosis and cancer.
The Commission argues that there should be a fundamental change to prevent the development of advanced liver disease by embracing simple methods for early identification of progressive liver fibrosis together with strategies for disease prevention.
Underserved and marginalised communities, including children, require particular attention, and the significant stigma associated with liver disease needs tackling including the removal of stigma-associated terms in medical nomenclature.
Policy actions for marketing, pricing, and taxation of alcohol and unhealthy foods are of vital importance for supporting and preserving liver health.