Elspeth Davies

A medical anthropologist by background, my research seeks to understand some of the social and ethical issues surrounding cancer early detection. I am particularly interested in in medicalisation and (over)diagnosis, injustices and inequalities, and in exploring the role of ethnography and other forms of qualitative research in evidence-based medicine and policy-making.

I am currently working within the Cancer Group as an academic partner on Cancer Research UK’s ‘Test, Evidence, Transition’ programme, which seeks to equitably and effectively optimise colorectal cancer diagnostic pathways across the country. I also supervise students on the MSc in Applied Digital Health.

I am working on my first book, which is based on my doctoral thesis. I completed my PhD at the University of Cambridge in 2024. Funded by Cancer Research UK, my doctoral work followed the development of a novel tool for oesophageal cancer screening, which aimed to diagnose Barrett’s oesophagus, a risk state or precancer for this cancer type. My thesis explored questions surrounding what it might mean to live 'at risk' of disease - for the people who become patients, and for the clinicians, healthcare services and communities that must care for these people who are not 'ill' but might be in the future. Using ethnographic fieldwork with scientists, policymakers, clinicians and in patient support groups, this work sought to make a range of stakeholders' experiences of diagnosing and living with cancer risk visible.

Having enjoyed teaching extensively during my PhD, I am always keen to hear from possible future students, as well as future research collaborators.

Rigney, Jane. 2024. On medical anthropology, understanding ‘risk’ and barriers to achieving interdisciplinarity in the world of cancer prevention: an interview with Elspeth Davies. Cancer Presentation and Screening Blog: Queen Mary University of London. Available here.

Armstrong, Emily. 2022. Acing it: The ambitious early career researchers driving progress in cancer early detection. Cancer Research UK Website. Available here.