Project 814 | Understanding Diagnostic Delays in Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer in England: A Mixed Methods Study of Predictors

Delays in diagnosing colorectal cancer in people under 50 are well documented in England, and these delays can lead to worse outcomes and higher healthcare costs. Current research rarely includes ethnic minority communities, leaving a critical gap in understanding and equity.
This project will directly address that gap. We will work with local ethnic minority groups through a listening group and a co-design workshop to develop a culturally sensitive questionnaire. This tool will assess awareness of early onset colorectal cancer, its symptoms, and help-seeking behaviours among under-50s. By involving communities in the design process, we will ensure the research reflects England’s diversity and identifies barriers that contribute to late diagnosis.

The impact of this work is twofold:
– Improved inclusivity and representation in research, leading to more accurate data for policy and practice.
– Actionable insights for targeted awareness campaigns and interventions that can reduce diagnostic delays and
improve survival rates.

The project will run over 6 months starting with planning and engagement, followed by the listening group and workshop, and concluding with analysis and dissemination. Findings will inform future research, NHS strategies, and community outreach, helping to reduce health inequalities and improve outcomes for all.

Our activities will involve and engage adults under the age of 50 from ethnic minority communities in Southampton and the surrounding areas, including South Asian, Black African, and Middle Eastern groups. These communities have been identified as under-served in research by the NIHR INCLUDE guidance due to factors such as language barriers, cultural sensitivities, and lower participation in health studies.
We are targeting these groups because current literature on early-onset colorectal cancer in England poorly represents ethnic minority populations. This lack of representation means that existing evidence does not fully capture the experiences, awareness levels, and help-seeking behaviours of these communities. By engaging them in listening groups and a co-design workshop, we aim to ensure that the questionnaire we develop is culturally appropriate, relevant, and inclusive. Including these communities will increase diversity in our research and help identify barriers that contribute to diagnostic delays, such as stigma, cultural norms, or limited access to information. This approach will not only improve the quality and applicability of our findings but also support equity in healthcare by informing interventions that address the needs of all populations.

We will disseminate findings back to these communities through local community organisations and culturally tailored materials. Additionally, results will be shared with healthcare professionals, NHS networks, and policy makers to inform strategies that reduce health inequalities and improve early diagnosis for under-served groups.