Research and innovation

A selection of abstracts from recent research studies in cancer care are provided below. 

The abstracts below look at FIT testing in a primary care setting. 

Abstract title: Use of the faecal immunochemical test for patients with low-risk symptoms of colorectal cancer in primary care: a pragmatic prospective study in the East of England

Authors: Natalia Calanzani, Merel M Pannebakker, Max Tagg , Hugo Walford, Peter Holloway, Niek de Wit, Willie Hamilton, Fiona M Walter,

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that certain patient clinical characteristics (symptoms on presentation, medications and blood test results) are associated with a positive FIT result. Furthermore, patients report on more symptoms than their GPs record about them. This discrepancy may have implications for patient management and raises questions about the use of GP-reported data when investigating patient pathways towards timely detection of colorectal cancer.

Abstract title: General practitioner use of a faecal immunochemical test for patients with low-risk symptoms of colorectal cancer: a post-implementation study in the East of England.

Natalia Calanzani, Merel M Pannebakker, Max Tagg, Hugo Walford, Peter Holloway, Niek de Wit, Willie Hamilton, Fiona M Walter

Conclusion: This study demonstrates differences between primary care patients having a FIT for possible symptoms of colorectal cancer. GPs may not report all symptoms described by patients because they prioritise those with increased severity. It is important to consider whether this discrepancy can impact on patient care. 

Poster available