Liver disease information for patients and carers

If you have a liver problem yourself, or you are a health professional and one of your patients is worried about developing liver disease, has had an abnormal liver function test, has been diagnosed or is caring for a loved one with a liver condition or has questions about liver cancer, you will need access to jargon-free, patient-friendly, reliable information that has been checked by experts.

This section of the toolkit provides signposts to these resources. Much of the information is detailed and will useful for health care professionals as well as patients.

Fact sheets for patients

Alcohol-related liver disease [134 KB, PDF]

Non-alcohol related fatty liver disease [139 KB, PDF]

General Information

The British Liver Trust has a free patient helpline run by nurses with liver disease expertise.

Helpline: 0800 652 7330 (10am to 3pm Monday to Friday)

Liver Cancer Information

Hepatitis C Trust

The Hepatitis C Trust produces a range of materials and run a helpline on 0845 223 4424 or 020 7089 6221 (10.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday). Alternatively, you can email helpline@hepctrust.org.uk

Patient leaflets on different liver conditions

The British Liver Trust has a full range of leaflets on the whole range of liver diseases that can be downloaded for free. The full range of leaflets can be downloaded from the BLT website or your patient can order a free hard copy by calling 01425 481320. The most popular leaflets include: 

Liver disease often has no symptoms in the early stages. The British Liver Trust has developed a range of materials covering the risk factors for liver disease and the signs and symptoms of liver disease. They are free to order and include posters and leaflets for display in GP surgeries.

Children's Liver diseases

The Children's Liver Disease Foundation has a range of support information and offers support on the different types of liver disease affecting children.

There are also local support groups and support groups for rarer types of liver disease.