CanTest at Early Diagnosis Research Conference 2017

CanTest researchers presented one of the keynote speeches at this year’s Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Fourth Biennial Early Diagnosis Research Conference in London. The event attracted speakers and delegates from across the UK and internationally, to share, hear and debate the very latest developments in early diagnosis research.

This year’s conference themes included investigating, implementing and innovating across the entire diagnostic pathway – from screening and public awareness of symptoms, through primary care factors, to obtaining a definitive cancer diagnosis in secondary care.

The programme featured presentations from world-leading figures on the international stage of cancer diagnosis, including CanTest’s own Professor Willie Hamilton and Dr Fiona Walter. Together they delivered a joint keynote entitled “Current and Future Practice in Diagnosing Cancer in Primary Care”.

Professor Hamilton discussed how the 2005 and 2015 NICE referral guidelines for suspected cancer have impacted primary care and cancer diagnosis, and how evidence is beginning to show reductions in diagnostic intervals across a suite of cancers.  However, he went on to say that a major limitation is the increased demand on diagnostic services and a new mechanism is needed to allow this cancer testing to occur – this is where CanTest comes in.

Dr Walters outlined the vision of CanTest to increase diagnostic capacity by supporting the transformation of the GP office into a hub of diagnostic excellence for cancer and to offer the right patient, the right test, at the right time and in the right setting. This will be achieved by increasing capacity and sustainability of research in this area through the work of the CanTest Collaborative.

You can read more about the 2017 conference in CRUK’s post-conference report or watch a video of Professor Hamilton and Dr Walter’s keynote presentation.