Optimising Colorectal Cancer Patient Pathways

Bowel cancer (colorectal cancer) is the 4th most common cancer in Scotland. Approximately 4,000 cases are diagnosed annually. Cancer-related deaths in Scotland are higher than other UK nations. Improving the early detection of bowel cancer, and therefore survival, is important. The majority of bowel cancers are diagnosed within secondary-care (colorectal surgery unit). Upon GP referral to secondary-care, patients provide stool samples which are analysed for microscopic blood (FIT; faecal immunohistochemical test). Patients with a single positive result are more likely to have bowel cancer (0.2% risk if no blood detected, but 8.4% if detected). A positive test triggers further investigation, either CT scan or colonoscopy depending on the result. Currently, colonoscopy and radiology services throughout Scotland are under significant pressure causing delays. Only 2% of patients referred t