We are at a crossroads in our fight against liver cancer in Europe, as stated in the DiCE and ELPA joint White Paper, Liver Cancer: No Patient Left Behind. Unfortunately, it is a fight we are currently losing. Every year, more than 87.000 European citizens are diagnosed with liver cancer, while around 78.000 die from the disease. Europe has the largest burden of liver disease in the world, with the burden expected to grow. Liver cancer costs around €4 billion each year in Europe, of which €1,2 billion relates to direct costs.

There are wide disparities across EU countries in terms of implementation of best practices and corresponding survival rates. Increasing rates of hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) infection, rising alcohol consumption, and rising numbers of people with obesity are all contributing to a ‘perfect storm’ of factors leading to increasing rates of liver cancer in Europe.

In this context and to tackle this issue further, DiCE and ELPA organised a joint event that took place virtually on 26 October that saw the participation of 11 expert speakers from the policy and medical areas and was pleased to welcome 62 representatives from the policy, health and patient advocacy arenas. The findings of the DiCE and ELPA White Paper on Liver Cancer were presented during the meeting. The event featured several presentations from experts and policy makers outlining the way to halt the increase of liver cancer cases in Europe and what the EU institutions can do to achieve this goal.

You can find more information on the event on our website or please contact us for more information.

Author:
Catie Young