Liver cancer checks service
We help monitor your liver health
Supporting patients at increased risk of liver cancer
Our liver cancer checks service, also known as the HCC Surveillance Programme, provides regular monitoring for people who are at increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of primary liver cancer.
We work across The Royal London Hospital, Newham Hospital, Whipps Cross Hospital and the Early Diagnostic Centre, bringing together specialist teams from hepatology, gastroenterology, radiology and imaging services.
Regular liver cancer checks help us monitor your liver health and identify any changes that may need further investigation. Being referred to the programme does not mean you have liver cancer.
Our aim is to provide safe, timely and coordinated care while supporting patients throughout their journey.
We support patients throughout their care
Clear information and practical support
We understand that being referred for liver cancer checks can feel worrying.
Our team works closely with patients to explain why checks have been recommended, what to expect from appointments and who to contact if they have questions.
We are committed to providing clear information, helping patients access the right services and supporting them throughout the programme.
We provide specialist liver checks
Coordinated care across Barts Health
Our service brings together specialist teams from across Barts Health to provide high-quality liver cancer checks.
We coordinate appointments, review results and arrange follow-up investigations where needed. By working across multiple hospital sites, we provide a consistent experience regardless of where patients receive their care.
Our multidisciplinary teams work closely together to ensure patients have access to the right expertise throughout their care.
Information for patients
Who is this service for?
This service is for people whose specialist team has identified that they may be at increased risk of developing liver cancer.
Patients are referred by their hospital specialist and receive regular monitoring to help assess their liver health.
What happens during liver cancer checks?
Patients are offered:
- A six monthly liver ultrasound scan and blood test
- Review of results by specialist clinicians
- Further investigations if required
Your healthcare team will explain your individual plan and what to expect.
Where is the service available?
The service is provided across:
- The Royal London Hospital
- Newham Hospital
- Whipps Cross Hospital
- Early Diagnostic Centre
Referrals
Patients are referred to the service by their hospital specialist following clinical assessment and in line with local and national guidance.
We do not accept self-referrals.
If you think you may be suitable for liver cancer checks, please speak to your GP or hospital specialist. They can arrange referral to the appropriate team if needed.
Once accepted onto the programme, our team will coordinate appointments and support you throughout your care.
Frequently asked questions
Does being referred mean I have liver cancer?
No. Being referred for liver cancer checks does not mean you have liver cancer. Liver checks are offered to people who may be at increased risk of developing liver cancer in the future.
What happens during liver cancer checks?
Patients are offered:
- A six monthly liver ultrasound scan and blood test
- Review of results by specialist clinicians
- Further investigations if required
Your healthcare team will explain your individual plan and what to expect.
How often will I have appointments?
Patients will be offered checks every six months. Your specialist team will explain your individual checks schedule.
When will I receive my results?
Results are reviewed by specialist nurses and doctors. Some patients will only receive a letter of their results, and some will have a clinic appointment to discuss their results. This will usually depend on whether you have other care alongside liver cancer checks.
If further investigation is needed, we will contact you and explain the next steps.
What happens if I need another test?
Needing further tests does not necessarily mean that cancer has been found. Additional investigations are sometimes needed to give your specialist team more information.
I think I'm due an appointment. What should I do?
If you think you are due checks but have not received an appointment, please contact the relevant team using the details below.
Why might my appointments be at different hospitals?
Liver cancer checks are delivered across several Barts Health sites. Your appointments may take place at different hospitals depending on where services are available and what is most appropriate for your care.
Where do I get my blood test done?
As part of your liver cancer checks, you will be asked to have a special blood test called an AFP.
Your blood test should be completed at the hospital where your liver cancer checks are being arranged. This test cannot be carried out through your GP surgery as part of the programme.
If possible, have your blood test on the same day as your liver ultrasound scan. If you're unable to do this, please arrange to have it completed as soon as possible afterwards so your specialist team can review your results together.
For information about blood test locations and opening times, visit our Phlebotomy service page.
Contact us
Contact details for each hospital site are provided below.
Early Diagnostic Centre (EDC), Mile End Hospital
Contact the Early Diagnostic Centre via the patient portal
Using the patient portal link will usually allow you to get a faster response. Please note, the portal is only for patients of EDC. Patients at our other sites are not able to use this portal.
Alternatively you can contact the team using the telephone numbers below.
HCC Surveillance Team
Telephone: 07596 955636
Imaging appointments
Telephone: 020 7767 3301
The Royal London Hospital
Hepatology team
Telephone: 020 3594 6765 / 2016 / 3557
Email: bartshealth.hepatology.services@nhs.net
Imaging appointments
Telephone: 020 7480 4600
Email: bartshealth.allusadministratorsrlh@nhs.net
Newham Hospital
Hepatology team
Telephone: 020 7363 9012
Email: bartshealth.hepatology-admin-team-nuh@nhs.net
Imaging appointments
Telephone: 020 7480 4601
Email: bartshealth.newhamimagingqueries@nhs.net
Whipps Cross Hospital
Gastroenterology team
Email: bartshealth.gastroenterologywxmedsecs@nhs.net
Ultrasound appointments
Telephone: 020 7767 3323
Email: bartshealth.imaging-appointments@nhs.net