Jozef Holomáň, Ľubica Slobodová
The number of people suffering from liver diseases has been on a rampant increase worldwide. The incidence and prevalence
of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, the two most feared consequences of chronic hepatitis are increasing
relatively rapidly. Consumption of alcohol is a significant risk factor for chronic liver disease and liver cirrhosis which
are becoming a major socio-economic issue to be reckoned with. Additionally, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD),
a significant risk factor for developing the chronic liver disease, has shown an increase in prevalence; more than 50 %
of adults living in Europe are overweight or obese. These negative trends are predicting of a major social and economic
burden our society is soon to be confronted with. The burden of the liver disease, with its devastating consequences,
requires a formulation of a national and European action plan for primary and secondary prevention of the liver disease.