An investigation into colorectal cancer in Scotland
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An investigation into Colorectal Cancer in Scotland
IRAS ID
346767
Contact name
Allan Golder
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS GG&C Research and Innovation (R&I)
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Colorectal cancer is highly prevalent and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality within Scotland. Outcomes in Scotland have been reported to be poor in comparison to other similar Western Nations.
This research aims to investigate the changes in colorectal cancer presentations/treatment/outcomes over the last 50 years. This includes the introduction of screening, surgical specialisation, a move to minimally invasive and robotic surgery. It will provide an insight into the longitudinal changes in a number of factors including disease stage at presentation, mode of presentation (elective/emergency), age at presentation and outcomes.
This research will examine a number of areas within colorectal cancer including route to diagnosis (if not screening, why not?), the differences between younger onset (age <50) and "standard" onset colorectal cancer and outcomes within a number of groups including conservatively (non-operatively) managed cancers. Of particular interest is detailed analysis of socioeconomic deprivation on the presentation, treatment and outcomes of patients with colorectal cancer.
This project will examine factors associated with deprivation in patients with bowel cancer across the whole of Scotland including income, education, ethnic minority status, engagement with screening and lifestyle factors to determine how these factors influence the presentation and disease biology of bowel cancer and subsequent treatment and outcomes. The inclusion of the pre-, peri- and post-COVID 19 Pandemic populations will allow us to determine the impact of COVID-19 on these patients.
Our results will help to guide future strategies to improve both bowel cancer screening and cancer care for patients with bowel cancer. This has the potential to improve outcomes for all patients with bowel cancer however offers the greatest potential benefits to the most deprived people in our society.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/YH/0197
Date of REC Opinion
17 Nov 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion