CanDetect is a programme that aims to accelerate the detection of upper gastro-intestinal (UGI) cancers in primary care. Outcomes for the most common UGI cancers (pancreatic, biliary tract, gullet/oesophagus, and stomach) remain very poor worldwide. Most patients with UGI cancers have symptoms and have visited their family doctor several times in the year before diagnosis. This suggests that these cancers could be detected earlier, opening up more opportunities for treatment and improving disease outcomes and patient experiences.

Launched on 1st January 2023 and funded by a 5-year Cancer Research UK Early Detection and Diagnosis Programme Award, CanDetect brings together a team of investigators from Queen Mary University of London, University College London, University of Exeter, Newcastle University, and King’s College London to help family doctors detect possible UGI cancers as early as possible.