The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK has expanded its community liver health check programme through scanning trucks, providing essential services to a broader population at risk.
The initiative, which includes mobile liver scanning teams, has seen a notable increase in its reach, with the number of teams rising from 11 to 20 over the past two years.
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Since the programme’s inception, around 113,000 people have undergone a fibroscan of their liver, and nearly 8,500 have been referred for further liver cancer checks.
These on-the-spot scans are crucial for detecting cirrhosis or advanced fibrosis, which are risk factors for liver cancer.
The NHS programme specifically looks for at-risk groups across England, encompassing individuals with high alcohol consumption, those with a history of viral hepatitis, or those suffering from non-alcoholic liver disease.
The mobile scanning trucks visit various locations such as recovery services, GP practices, food banks, and homeless shelters to offer quick, non-invasive scans.
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By GlobalDataIn an effort to make the checks as accessible as possible, some areas have brought the scanning vehicles to public spaces like football matches, workplaces and supermarket vicinities.
The NHS teams collaborate with local communities and charities to pinpoint and support those most in need of testing.
NHS national cancer director Peter Johnson said: “This programme has seen thousands more people referred for important further tests, allowing them to get vital treatment sooner alongside the support they need from the NHS to lead healthier lives.”
Individuals who are found to be at a higher risk of liver cancer after a fibroscan are referred to hospital clinics for further testing and may be enrolled in a liver cancer surveillance programme.
This programme is instrumental in detecting cancer earlier, significantly improving the chances of successful treatment.
Additionally, peer support workers with personal experience of liver disease are available in some areas to assist individuals in attending their appointments.
Those at low risk are provided with information about their risk level and referred to their GP if required.
This initiative is a key component of the NHS’ goal to identify more cancers early, when treatment is most likely to be effective.
Earlier this month, the NHS unveiled an online maternity self-referral service.
