IMPROVING DIAGNOSIS
Professor Una Macleod, Dean of the Hull York Medical School, has been leading research into whether changes in general practice could contribute to an overall improvement in cancer survival. There is evidence that, for a number of cancers, poorer outcomes can be directly related to delays in the initial diagnosis – and hence referral and treatment.
The work that Una and her colleagues have done has included an innovative approach to improving practice by systematically reviewing cases where a delay in diagnosis has occurred. The findings of the research have since been adopted by the Royal College of General Practitioners to roll out a national pilot, with the aim of increasing early referral of patients and ultimately improving successful treatment and reducing cancer deaths.
IMPROVING OUTCOMES
Professor Mike Lind, Professor of Oncology, Hull York Medical School, and his research colleagues have an established track record of research into cancer, specifically lung cancer. The findings of recent studies into non-small-cell lung cancer to which Mike and his colleagues contributed are already shaping the way lung cancer surgery is delivered in the country.
The team also researched the second most predominant lung cancer type (small-cell), identifying that surgery was of higher benefit in earlier stage cases than previously identified. The findings are likely to influence NICE guidelines and change practices in treatment.
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