Cancer research at Bristol is a vibrant cross-disciplinary community. In partnership with Bristol NHS Trusts and the University of West of England (UWE), we aim to accelerate the identification and translation of research into clinical practice for the early detection and treatment of cancer.

Cancer is a leading cause of death and morbidity worldwide, and with the ageing of the population and changes in lifestyle such as increasing obesity, its incidence is likely to continue to rise. Research in Bristol, lead by internationally recognised experts in the field, is looking to enhance early diagnostics, screening and prevention of a variety of cancers.

Cancer research in Bristol focuses on three areas of internationally recognised research strengths: cancer cell biology, genetic and lifecourse epidemiology and health services research and service delivery. Specifically this includes research into:

• cell signalling and gene deregulation
• angiogenesis, cell death and the tumour microenvironment
• cytoskeleton, migration and invasion
• prostate cancer screening and aetiology (through the ProtecT and ProMPT collaborations)
• Mendelian randomisation and genetic markers in the progression of cancer
• methodological development for randomised controlled trials of cancer treatment
• patient reported outcomes and health related quality of life measurements
• statistical evaluation of diagnostic techniques
• intervention and prevention programmes: promotion of health, diet and lifestyle
• service delivery in secondary care
• early diagnosis in primary care

Principally, but not exclusively, the therapeutic focus is on cancers of the gastro-intestinal tract (including colon) and prostate.

In Bristol we have unique access to extensive DNA and tissue banks, as well as patient/population data. Together these provide unrivalled opportunities to discover, understand and use novel and existing cancer biomarkers for improving cancer detection, treatment and care.