Detecting colorectal cancer earlier

A new way to diagnose colorectal cancer will help ensure patients get quicker treatment.

Scotland’s Colorectal Optimal Cancer Diagnostic Pathway has been designed by clinical experts at NHS Golden Jubilee’s Centre for Sustainable Delivery (CfSD).

Supported by £1.5 million on funding from the Scottish Government’s Detect Cancer Early (DCE) programme, it sets out a new model for NHS Scotland to follow.

Patients will be able to receive multiple tests at one time - where clinically appropriate - reducing visits to hospital, speeding up time to diagnosis and improving the quality and safety of care.

Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common malignancy in Scotland, representing 11% of all cancer deaths.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said:

“Bowel cancer touches thousands of families in Scotland every year, and we know the difference early diagnosis can make - more treatment options, more time with loved ones, and better outcomes.

“That’s why I am so pleased to see the publication of Scotland’s Colorectal Optimal Cancer Diagnostic Pathway. By speeding up diagnosis and improving the way services are delivered, we can give patients and their families greater peace of mind, faster answers, and the very best chance of recovery.”

One patient who credits early diagnosis with saving his life is Nick Rimmer, 55, from Crieff.

Nick was diagnosed with stage one bowel cancer in 2019 following a routine NHS screening test which arrived just after his 50th birthday. Initially hesitant, he now says taking the test “saved my life and my future.”

Nick said:

“I consider myself lucky because it was detected at a stage where I had absolutely no symptoms and no idea. Okay, I had to go through a major operation, but after that I didn’t require chemotherapy. I’ve been healthy for the last five years.

“If you’ve got any unusual, persistent symptoms, go to your GP practice. Please don’t delay. Even if you don’t have symptoms, when that test lands on your doormat – do it. The more people that do the test and find cancer earlier, the easier their life is going to be.”

Dr. Lisa Wilde, Director of Research, Policy and Influencing at Bowel Cancer UK, said: 

"We're delighted to see the launch of Scotland's new optimal bowel cancer diagnostic pathway and toolkit.

“Bowel cancer is treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early. The earlier patients are diagnosed with the disease, the greater their chance of survival.

“By supporting earlier diagnosis and reducing waiting times, this work has the potential to improve efficiency across the system and importantly deliver better outcomes for patients."