Roadshow comes to Derry to find those 'unaware' they have liver damage

Members of the public in Derry are being encouraged to get their liver checked for free.

The liver check event will take place at Guildhall Square, on Thursday, May 11 with the arrival of a mobile liver screening roadshow.

According to the British Liver Trust, one in ten adults in Derry may be walking around with liver disease and be completely unaware because there are usually no symptoms in the early stages. 

People can go along to the mobile unit from 10am to 4pm to find out what preventative measures they can take to keep their liver healthy and be offered a free liver scan. 

Nine in 10 cases of liver disease are preventable with the main causes being alcohol, obesity and viral hepatitis, the British Liver Trust said.

Pamela Healy, Chief Executive of British Liver Trust, added: “One in three of us are at risk of liver disease and the numbers of people being diagnosed have been increasing at an alarming rate. 

"Liver damage develops silently with no signs or symptoms and people often don’t realise they have a problem until it is too late. Although the liver is remarkably resilient, if left until symptoms appear, the damage is often irreversible. 

“The Love Your Liver roadshow is a great opportunity for people to find out their risk of liver disease. Approximately 20% of the people we scan need to have further checks.” 

The British Liver Trust’s Love Your Liver campaign focuses on three simple steps to Love Your Liver back to health: 

1.    Drink within recommended limits and have three consecutive days off alcohol every week 

2.    Cut down on sugar, carbohydrates and fat, and take more exercise 

3.    Know the risk factors for viral hepatitis and get tested or vaccinated if at risk 

The roadshow comprises a mobile unit where people can take a free online screening test and find out if they are at risk.

Free liver health scanning will also be available using a non-invasive device. There will be expert guidance on how to keep your liver healthy from healthcare professionals who will be on hand to provide advice on diet, exercise and healthy living. 

Anyone unable to attend this event can still find out if you are at risk and check your liver health online by doing the online screening test at https://www. britishlivertrust.org.uk/screener.