Rising burden of chronic liver disease – a high price to pay

According to a new expert report launched today, liver disease now affects more than six million Australians (over a quarter of the population) and equates to a staggering annual cost burden of $50.7 billion. While this burden exceeds diabetes and chronic kidney disease combined – unlike other countries (including the UK) – Australia is yet to formally recognise liver disease as a chronic condition and a national health priority in line with diabetes.

Health experts from the Australian Liver Association (ALA), who commissioned the report, are increasingly concerned with the prevalence and dramatic impact liver disease has in this country and are actively encouraging the Government to make it a national health priority – alongside cardiovascular  disease, cancer, dementia and diabetes.

Associate Professor Amany Zekry, Chairperson of the ALA and liver specialist at St George Hospital, Sydney states timing is of the essence: “With the number of Australians with liver disease reaching over eight million by 2030 it is imperative we act quickly.  It is responsible for one quarter of all organ transplants¹ and if left untreated, results in liver cancer – our fastest growing form of cancer in Australia. We can’t ignore it any more – liver disease must receive prompt attention and urgent recognition as a chronic condition and national health priority.”

The findings confirm 20 lives are lost every day to chronic liver disease (more than 7,000 deaths annually). Less likely to be an alcohol related  issue, the report found 5.5 million Australians now have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) – our most prevalent form of liver disease.  Viral hepatitis (including chronic hepatitis B and C) was confirmed as the second most common form of liver disease affecting more than half a million Australians. This report is released as the first hepatitis C treatments, in over a decade become available on April 1^st.

According to Professor Geoff McCaughan, Head of the National Liver Transplant Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital: “Liver damage, in many cases, is attributable to one or more of three major public health issues – high-fat diet, alcohol and viral hepatitis. Many forms of liver disease are therefore preventable and many more, if detected early, can be treated effectively.  Prompt and effective action will significantly reduce the financial, physical and emotional burden of this challenging disease.”

Liver disease affects people in the prime of their lives – and the report uncovered the productivity impact of liver diseases was $4.2 billion. Of this, $2.1 billion in productivity losses were associated with lower employment participation, and absenteeism resulted in an additional cost of $207 million. Informal care for people with liver diseases is often undertaken by family members or friends and represents an economic opportunity cost of approximately $259 million.

The report assessed all major forms of liver disease – including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), viral hepatitis (A,B and C), liver cancer and alcoholic liver disease.  It also assessed two potential interventions (a GESA-led education program and a nurse-led community based care model) aimed at reducing overall cost of liver disease. 

Other major findings of the report included:-

• Viral hepatitis is the main contributor to the estimated $432 million health costs for treating liver diseases each year in Australia.  Health costs include hospital and medical services, prescription treatments, immunisation and research.
• The total financial cost of liver disease in Australia was estimated at $5.4 billion. This adds together all the financial health costs and non-health related financial costs together.
• The burden of disease resulting from liver disease was estimated at $45.3 billion.
• The total socio-economic impact of liver diseases – including the total financial cost and burden of disease is estimated at $50.7 billion.

Source: GESA