Patient-centred care for cirrhosis: a key role for chronic disease management

Early diagnosis and coordinated care are critical for achieving the best outcomes for patients with liver disease

Chronic liver disease affects more than 6 million Australians, and it is estimated that more than 70 000 have cirrhosis.1 The most common causes are non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcohol-related chronic liver disease, and chronic hepatitis B and C. People with cirrhosis are at risk of liver decompensation and liver cancer. More than 7000 Australians die from liver-related causes each year, and another 300 people receive liver transplants.2 Primary liver cancer is the second most rapidly increasing cause of cancer death in Australia.3