Liver cancer is now the fastest growing cause of cancer death in Victoria, with a 191% increase in deaths over the past four decades. In 2022 alone, 450 Victorians lost their lives to liver cancer.
This disease disproportionately affects multicultural communities, particularly those born in Vietnam, China and across South-East and North-East Asia. For example, Vietnamese-born Australians face over five times the rate of liver cancer compared to the Australian-born population.
Key contributors include undiagnosed hepatitis B, type 2 diabetes, metabolic liver disease (MASLD) and alcohol-related liver disease. Alarmingly, over one-third of people living with hepatitis B in Victoria don’t know they have it and 70% of those diagnosed are not in regular care.
Yet, liver cancer is largely preventable—and when detected early, curable. Early detection through regular screening and engagement in care is critical, especially for people from Asian, Pacific and African backgrounds.
Now is the time to act. Learn more, talk to your doctor about screening, and help spread awareness in your community.
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LiverWELL
Address: 15 Gracie Street, North Melbourne Vic 3051
Tel: (03) 9274 9796
LiverWELL acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands where we work - the lands of the Woi-Wurrung Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations. We express our gratitude to them for their continued care and curation of these lands and waters. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.
We observes and honours the Kulin Nation's intrinsic connection to land, sky and water, and the creator Bunjil. LiverWELL is committed to being led and informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders on bridging health outcomes for communities and improving liver health.
We welcome people from all cultures, nationalities and religions. Being inclusive and providing equitable services is our commitment.