Deaths from alcoholic liver disease have more than doubled over the last decade, according to resear...
Deaths from alcoholic liver disease have more than doubled over the last decade, according to research published in the British Medical Journal.
The study found 13 out of every 100,000 people die as a result of alcoholic liver disease, compared to six in 1993. Although the research was carried out in the West Midlands area, researchers predicted the findings suggest a nationwide trend.
The study, conducted by Dr Neil Fisher, stated: 'These data have important implications for public health and hospital physicians. The halting or reversal of the trend in deaths from alcoholic liver disease that we have described require further public emphasis on the risk of fatal liver disease from excessive alcohol consumption.'
Shelley Robertson, protection brand manager at Skandia, said the trend should not have underwriting implications for critical illness products as safeguards were already in place.
'With alcohol abuse, underwriters should find out when the policy is first taken out. If customers choose to non-disclose they will not be able to claim.
'The Association of British Insurers' standard definition for critical illness has a drug exclusion which includes alcohol. It would catch up with the client at claims stage ' even if it was missed during the underwriting process,' she said.
