The risk of dying from liver cancer for both men and women has risen significantly in Scotland over the past decade, according to new figures.

Latest statistics from ISD Scotland show the chance of dying – also know as the mortality rate – from all types of cancer has fallen by 10% in the past ten years, with decreases in cancers such as breast, stomach and bowel.

However, the risk of dying from liver cancer increased by more than two-thirds – 67% – for women over that time. For men, it rose by 55%.

The figures come after new guidance was issued to health professionals, warning of the link between alcohol and cancer.

Overall, mortality rates for all cancers have fallen by 12% for males and 7% for females in Scotland over the past decade.

The number of deaths from the disease increased from 15,211 in 2008 to 16,153 in 2018 – largely due to an increasingly elderly population at greater risk of developing cancer.

For women, liver cancer recorded the biggest increase in death risk, followed by womb cancer which rose by 39%.

The risk of dying from most cancers of the breast fell by 16%, alongside decreases of 16% in cancer of the ovary and 11% in cancer of the oesophagus.

For men, the biggest rise in mortality rate was again in liver cancer, with the risk of most cancers of the stomach decreasing by 33%, lung by 25% and bowel by 11%.

The figures also reveal a huge inequality gap, with mortality rates for cancer 74% higher in the most deprived parts of Scotland compared to the least deprived areas.

The report notes the possible reasons for this are complex and include factors such as uptake of screening, access to treatments and having other health conditions.

Gordon Matheson, Cancer Research UK’s public affairs manager in Scotland, said: “Over the past 40 years our researchers have made great progress in the fight against cancer but it’s clear much more needs to be done.

“For many common cancers, survival triples when diagnosed at an early stage so it’s essential people with suspected cancer are given the best possible chance of an early diagnosis.”

Mr Matheson said staff shortages were harming the NHS’s ability to diagnose cancer at an early stage.

“The Scottish Government needs to tackle this problem urgently and plan to ensure there are enough key cancer staff now and in the future,” he added.

Director of policy at the British Liver Trust Vanessa Hebditch said: “We know that the numbers of people affected by liver cancer are rising across the UK. By 2035, rates of liver cancer are projected to rise by 38%, the equivalent of 11,000 people a year.

“However – these new statistics suggest that the numbers are increasing at an even faster rate in Scotland.

“Liver cancer is a lethal disease with high mortality – only 12% of those affected live for five years.  The main reason for the increases that we are seeing is the rise in obesity and the numbers of people who drink too much alcohol.

“We know that many people – approximately four out of ten are diagnosed with liver cancer in A and E.

“Most people who develop primary liver cancer will have underlying liver disease – it is therefore vital that if we are to stop this trend we raise awareness of the risk factors and diagnose people much earlier.

“Once diagnosed it is important that people with liver disease are regularly screened for cancer. It’s also important that we invest more heavily in research and into innovative new treatments for liver cancer – very often at the moment the only option is a liver transplant.”