Liver surveillance helps find liver cancer at an early stage, when treatment is more effective and people have a better chance of living well for longer. Some people have a higher risk of developing liver cancer, including those with cirrhosis, advanced fibrosis or long‑term Hepatitis B infection.
Liver cancer is the fastest rising cause of cancer related deaths in the UK. Regular checks can make a real difference. National guidance recommends an ultrasound scan every six months for people at higher risk.
We work with partners across Thames Valley to make liver surveillance easier to access and more consistent across the region. Improving access to high quality surveillance is essential to diagnosing liver cancer earlier and reducing avoidable deaths. Our work includes:
- Helping services follow national guidance
- Making sure people at higher risk are identified and invited for regular scans
- Improving how people are recalled and followed up
- Ensuring liver surveillance is part of wider care for chronic liver disease
HCC minimum standards
Clinicians can access the published HCC Minimum Standards here: Hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance
These standards outline expectations for surveillance delivery, imaging quality, reporting, recall processes and MDT pathways.