Local MP, Fiona Bruce, is backing moves to raise the awareness of liver disease which could affect one in five people in their lifetime.

And she has praised the work going on in Cheshire to raise the awareness of the disease – 90 per cent of which is preventable.

The Congleton MP, whose constituency includes Alsager, attended an event in Parliament hosted by the British Liver Trust.

Fiona heard from experts and clinicians regarding the state of liver disease diagnosis, and how they are pushing for faster and earlier diagnoses across the UK.

The British Liver Trust is calling for every Integrated Care System (ICS) to put in place an effective pathway for early detection of liver disease. Cheshire's pathway is currently in development.

Fiona Bruce MP said: "Whilst many continue to suffer from this disease, it is encouraging that more pathways are opening up around the country for earlier diagnosis and I am pleased that in Cheshire, work is already underway (in contrast to many other areas) to provide an effective pathway in place for early detection of liver disease.

Fiona Bruce MP

"With effective early detection, and small lifestyle changes, the full impact of liver disease can be decreased, or even all together prevented."

Experts say the biggest most effective change people can make to prevent themselves getting liver disease is to cut down on alcohol.

Over consumption of alcohol can lead to fatty deposits building up on the liver, which, over time, can lead to inflammation, scarring, and liver disease.

More information can be found at the British Liver Trust's website: https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/