Finalist
This little kit saves lives
Summary of work
Bowel cancer screening saves lives. Every two years, people aged 60-74 receive a free screening kit from the NHS. This looks for hidden traces of blood in poo samples. It is estimated that bowel cancer screening can cut deaths from the disease by 15%. However overall uptake of the test is low compared to other types of screening, at only 54% and is even lower in more deprived groups and among men.
Cancer Research UK ran a pilot campaign in London to address the psychosocial barriers to bowel cancer screening head on. Using an innovative product development approach, co-created with the target audience, the pilot campaign increased bowel cancer screening uptake by over 6%.
Judges’ comments
A really good idea with a solid strategy and an evidence-based approach. The creativity is in the ‘poo testing kit’ with its simplicity and pragmatism to testing - a highly commendable achievement for its desire to innovate.
