Early Diagnosis Unit

 

Unit Leads

Dr Oleg Blyuss

Dr Garth Funston 

 

The Early Diagnosis Unit brings together interdisciplinary researchers from primary care cancer research, data science, statistics, behavioural science, applied health research, clinical oncology, epidemiology, diagnostic test evaluation, health services research and cancer inequalities research. The unit focuses on improving the timely and equitable diagnosis of cancer, particularly in primary care and symptomatic patient pathways. Our programmes of work include: 

• Developing and validating cancer risk prediction models using routine health data 

• Evaluating diagnostic tests, biomarkers and multi-cancer early detection approaches 

• Improving cancer diagnosis in primary care and symptomatic pathways 

• Understanding symptom perception, cancer awareness, help-seeking behaviour and pathways to diagnosis 

• Addressing inequalities in cancer diagnosis, screening and access to care, including for LGBTQIA+ and gender-diverse populations 

• Using longitudinal clinical, biomarker, imaging and multi-omic data to support personalised early detection 

• Improving diagnostic safety, pathway quality and timely investigation of possible cancer 

• Translating evidence into policy, clinical guidance and implementation in health-care systems 

• Studying the acceptability and implementation of new initiatives to encourage early diagnosis of cancer 

Our work is supported by Cancer Research UK, NIHR, Wellbeing of Women and other national charity and health research funders. We contribute to major programmes in early cancer diagnosis, including CanDetect, AWACAN-ED and Cancer Data-Driven Detection, and work closely with primary care, NHS diagnostic services, cancer alliances, patient and public contributors, policy stakeholders and national/international research networks. Through these partnerships, we aim to ensure that evidence on cancer risk, symptoms, diagnostic tests, prediction models and inclusive pathways is translated into real-world improvements in timely and equitable diagnosis.