Free, nurse-led support line for primary liver cancer now open

October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month, and Liver Foundation has launched a free, nurse-led support line for primary liver cancer. Providing free access to expert and compassionate care, it is designed to offer patients a kind ear and expertise they can trust.

“The support line provides an incredibly important service to patients and their loved ones, as people with liver cancer are usually treated outside of traditional cancer centres and so miss out on the extra support that people with other forms of cancer receive,” Liver Foundation said.

“This is particularly true for people in regional or remote communities, people with limited understanding of English, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“Staffed by friendly nurses who are experts in primary liver cancer and underlying liver diseases, the line provides the opportunity to voice fears, ask pressing questions, and talk without judgement.”

More than 3000 Australians are diagnosed with primary liver cancer each year, with only one in five people surviving beyond five years. Hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common form of liver cancer, is now one of the fastest-growing causes of cancer-related deaths in the country.

The nurse-led support line for primary liver cancer is available on 1800 841 118 from 8 am–6 pm (AEST). Liver Foundation said its nurses are happy to work through translators, TIS National or Auslan.

Image credit: iStock.com/sturti