Partner in focus: Sally Castle, CEO of Liver Foundation

We spoke with Sally Castle, CEO of Liver Foundation, who shares insights into the organisation’s vision and their Nurse-Led Support Line for Australians living with primary liver cancer.

What is the vision of Liver Foundation?

Think of three people close to you. One of them is likely to be affected by liver disease in their lifetime. Liver Foundation is here to change that. There are over 100 types of liver disease, including liver cancer, affecting Australian adults and children. Primary liver cancer is one of the fastest-growing causes of cancer-related deaths in Australia. We are the only Australian organisation dedicated to addressing the full spectrum of liver diseases. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live well, free from the burden of liver disease and liver cancer.

Our vision is to create a future where liver disease and liver cancer is detected early, treated effectively, and — where possible — prevented or even entirely reversed. Through awareness, education and support, we’re working to reduce the impact of liver disease and liver cancer on individuals, families and communities across Australia.

What are some of the challenges you face?

Liver disease affects one in three adults and many children, making it one of Australia’s most significant health challenges. Without timely treatment, it can progress to severe complications, often culminating in liver cancer or liver failure. Despite its prevalence, liver disease receives little attention, funding or support. This lack of awareness delays diagnosis and treatment, particularly for liver cancer, where early detection is vital. Curative treatments are only possible in the early stages, but delayed diagnosis often robs individuals of this chance, resulting in preventable complications and a 5-year survival rate of just 20%.

Despite these challenges, we’re determined to make a difference. By focusing on early detection, providing education to healthcare professionals and the public, and funding critical research, we aim to overcome these obstacles and improve outcomes for all Australians affected by liver disease.

Tell us about one of your organisation's recent innovations

Liver Foundation is proud to launch our Nurse-Led Support Line, a vital initiative providing free, tailored support to individuals with primary liver cancer and their carers. Funded by the Australian Government under the Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program (ACNNP), this service fills a critical gap in cancer care across Australia.

Experienced hepatology nurses staff the support line, offering expert advice on managing symptoms, understanding treatment options, and addressing underlying chronic liver diseases. They also help callers navigate their care by connecting them with appropriate services.

Designed with extensive consultation, the service focuses on meeting the needs of priority populations, including First Nations peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and people in regional and remote areas. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions and access timely, relevant support by addressing barriers to care.

The service is already making a difference — guiding patients through their care pathways, connecting them with essential resources, and supporting carers during challenging times. This new service is transforming lives and advancing health equity for Australians impacted by primary liver cancer.

What do you value most about your partnership with Healthdirect Australia?

Our partnership with Healthdirect Australia allows us to amplify our impact. By collaborating with a trusted national platform, we can ensure that people accessing our resources know they’re getting reliable, high-quality and evidence-backed information.

This partnership extends our reach to communities across the country, including those in rural and remote areas, and strengthens our ability to combat misinformation. Together, we’re empowering Australians with the knowledge and support they need to make informed decisions about their liver health.