Simple test could prevent bowel and pancreatic cancer deaths

Last updated 15 December 2011

UK scientists have developed two new algorithms that should help doctors to diagnose bowel and pancreatic cancer more quickly.

The QCancer algorithms cross-reference symptoms and risk factors of patients, drawing attention to those who may need further investigation.

Professor Julia Hippisley-Cox, who led the research at the University of Nottingham's division of primary care, said: 'We hope these new tools will help GPs with the difficult task of identifying patients with suspected cancer earlier and that this in turn could help improve treatment options and outcomes for patients.'

The algorithms were developed using information on patients from 564 GP practices.

Researchers then tested their ability to predict patients' chances of having pancreatic or bowel cancer and found them to be effective in both cases.

The findings are published in the British Journal of General Practice and were welcomed by Dr Clare Gerada, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners.

She said: 'Early diagnosis, and access to appropriate diagnostic tests and tools, can make an enormous difference to the treatment and outcomes of patients with cancer and this new calculator, which is concerned with two of the most deadly forms of cancer, has the potential to save many lives.'


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