Pancreatic Cancer Early Diagnosis Group

Project Summary

This project focuses on detecting pancreatic cancer earlier before symptoms develop so they have a greater chance of survival. General population screening is not feasible, partly due to the low incidence of pancreatic cancer in the general population, so we need to focus on people that are at a markedly higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer and create a surveillance program. The team is doing this by harnessing the power of national large-scale data linkage and modern machine learning methods to identify a cohort of patients who would benefit from surveillance. The second phase of this project focuses on reducing delays in diagnosis in general practice. Many patients and families tell stories of a distressing journey to diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. It is important that the extent, causes, and consequences of this are quantified, and that patients and general practitioners are supported to ensure prompt diagnosis. The project team has already developed a preliminary decision support tool. During this project, the tool will be further refined and made available for use by clinicians and consumers. This component of the study will be generously supported by Viatris, a global healthcare company focused on empowering people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life.