October is Liver Awareness Month. The liver is a vital organ – no one can survive without it, but it is a silent organ because it can be damaged without sending any signals or symptoms. Hence, many people live with liver disease for a long time without ever knowing it.

Many forms of liver disease are preventable, and many more if detected early can be treated effectively. That is why the American Liver Foundation (ALF) is committed to providing support and resources for liver disease patients, educating the general public about liver health and funding important research to ultimately end liver disease.

Get the facts

The statistics on the prevalence of liver disease in the United States are startling.

• More than 30 million people in the U.S. have liver disease – or 1 in 10 Americans.
• Liver diseases such as hepatitis C, fatty liver disease, and liver cancer are on the rise
• Up to 25% of Americans may have fatty liver disease
• Four million Americans are infected with hepatitis C and more than 1 million Americans are infected with hepatitis B
• Approximately 15,000 children are hospitalized every year with pediatric liver disease or disorders.

Prevention is essential to stop the rise of liver disease! In conjunction with Liver Awareness Month, the ALF is calling on you to help bring liver education to your community!