4th May 2023

New study aims to increase early detection of colorectal cancer

A new study called COLOSPECT aims to improve the accuracy of cancer detection in current screening tests using a blood test obtained from patients who are having a colonoscopy following a positive Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT).

FIT tests are taken at home and are routinely recommended to people aged between 50 and 75 to help detect early-stage bowel cancers and the bowel polyps that can lead to cancers. The addition of a blood test to the at-home FIT test would help increase accuracy and prevent cancers potentially being missed while also reducing the need for unnecessary colonoscopies when FIT tests come back with false positives.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide and colonoscopy waiting lists in Wales have doubled in recent years. An estimated 90% of cancer deaths are preventable through early detection. Thanks to the addition of the blood tests to the FIT tests, researchers are optimistic that this study has the potential to help with early detection of cancer and therefore save lives.

Professor Kieran Walshe, Director of Health and Care Research Wales said:

Cancer in any form is often described as a ‘silent killer’ and we know that early detection and diagnosis are key to the ability of clinicians to treat and manage patients effectively.  We are pleased to support this important study, which as well as having the potential to transform bowel cancer screening in the future, also offers hope to anyone on a waiting list for a colonoscopy.”

Dr Lee Campbell, Head of Research at Cancer Research Wales, which has funded the study, added:

When cancer is diagnosed earlier, it is easier to treat, manage, and cure and we thank those who will be participating in the study in the next three years.”

The COLOSPECT study, sponsored by Swansea Bay University is now open in Wales with Public Health Wales as the lead site.

Participants will be invited to be part of this study by their healthcare provider at screening assessment centres across Wales and asked to for a blood sample at the time of their colonoscopy.