Sunderland landmarks go green for Liver Cancer Awareness Month

A host of city landmarks - the Northern Spire Bridge, Penshaw Monument, Hylton Castle, Fulwell Mill, the White Lighthouse at Seaburn, Keel Square and High Street West - will all Light Up For Liver throughout the next week to support Liver Cancer Awareness Month.

Marked internationally throughout October, the campaign aims to help improve understanding and awareness of liver cancer and to send a message of support to everyone affected.

The Sunderland locations will join iconic landmarks and buildings around the UK that will be illuminated in green, the internationally recognised colour for liver cancer.

Liver cancer is a silent disease that is often detected at an advanced stage, with only 13% of people surviving for five years or more following diagnosis.

Over the past decade, the numbers of people dying from liver cancer has risen the fastest out of all the 20 most common types of cancer in the UK, and cases are predicted to rise by 38% between 2014 and 2035.

But almost half of liver cancer cases could be prevented through lifestyle changes, earlier detection of liver disease and improved awareness of risk factors, which include infection with a hepatitis virus, drinking alcohol, being overweight, type 2 diabetes and older age.

Pamela Healy is Chief Executive of the British Liver Trust: “It’s heartwarming to see so much of Sunderland illuminated in green to support everyone affected by liver cancer across the area,” she said.

“We know that increasing numbers of people are being diagnosed with liver cancer, and by shining so many green lights on Sunderland, we’re raising awareness of this vastly under-recognised disease, and sending a very visual message of support to those affected.

“Liver cancer is the fastest rising cause of cancer death in the UK but with earlier diagnosis many of these deaths can be prevented.”

Visit www.livercanceruk.org  for more information.