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PRU: Policy Research Unit

NIHR Policy Research Units (PRUs) exist to inform national policy decisions across the health, care and public health systems by providing high quality and robust research.

The PRU in Cancer Awareness, Screening and Early Diagnosis is co-hosted with University College London (UCL) and led by Professor Georgios Lyratzopoulos (UCL) and Associate Professor Brian Nicholson (Oxford).

Some of the topics we will be investigating include:

  • Promoting awareness of possible cancer symptoms to enable patients to seek help early
  • Assisting health care professionals in assessing cancer risk and monitoring persistent symptoms
  • Testing new screening and diagnostic methods
  • Reducing health inequality

 “The Policy Research Units are placed at the forefront of change, integrating ground-breaking research into actionable policy. This collaboration isn't just about discovery; it's about translating our findings into practices that can genuinely make a difference to patients in early cancer detection and care” Brian Nicholson

Background

NDPCHS is co-leading a new NIHR Policy Research Unit  on cancer awareness, screening and early diagnosis.  

Headed by Associate Professor Brian Nicholson and Professor Georgios Lyratzopoulos, from UCL, this cross-disciplinary collaboration will conduct research to help patients, professionals, and policymakers improve early detection. With guidance from key policy stakeholders, the unit aims to support the NHS to achieve its goal of diagnosing 75% of cancers at an early stage by 2028. 

WHAT WE ARE DOING

The PRUs, funded by NIHR’s Policy Research Programme, play a vital role in making sure the government and arm’s length bodies have the best possible information and evidence available when making policy decisions about health and social care.

Using real-world data and advanced analytics techniques, researchers in NDPCHS are shaping the future of early cancer detection as well as improving care and outcomes for patients.  

Expected Impact

Teams across NDPCHS continue to research innovative ways to improve cancer diagnosis, intervention and care for cancer patients. Research teams across the department continue to deliver evidence-based studies focused on improving patient outcomes and closing the cancer care gap.  

Project members: