Fitzwilliam Hospital has recently joined forces with Wansford Surgery to support a groundbreaking colorectal research study, showcasing their dedication to working closely with the health community and giving patients access to the latest medical studies and healthcare advancements.
Wansford Surgery’s Strong Track Record in Clinical Research
For over 30 years, Wansford Surgery has been a key player in clinical trials, and in the past seven years, their research efforts have dramatically increased. With a dedicated team at the helm, they focus primarily on commercial research for big pharmaceutical companies, covering everything from cardiovascular health to diabetes, dermatology, and COVID-19 vaccine studies. They believe strongly in making these trials accessible to patients, aligning with NHS England’s advocacy for greater patient involvement in groundbreaking studies.
Wansford Surgery’s research studies are open to residents in the Peterborough community. You don’t have to be a registered patient at Wansford Surgery to participate in their research - you just need to live in the Peterborough area. This means everyone in the community has the opportunity to get involved in these important studies.
The Lighthouse Project: A Collaborative Effort
One of the latest and exciting projects is The Lighthouse Project, a colorectal research study that brought Wansford Surgery and Fitzwilliam Hospital together. Fitzwilliam Hospital is playing a crucial role by conducting colonoscopies, which are a key part of the study.
The Lighthouse Project is helping one of the world’s largest biotech companies to develop a biomarker for bowel cancer detection through a simple blood test. The study involves an initial colonoscopy and then an annual blood test over four to five years. It aims to help pave the way for early cancer screening methods that could make a huge difference in saving lives.
According to Cancer Research1 “over the last 40 years, cancer survival in the UK has doubled. In the 1970s just 1 in 4 people survived their disease for 10 years or more. Today 2 in 4 survive.” This amazing progress in saving lives has largely been made possible through clinical research.
This study was part of a global effort involving 50,000 patients aged 45 and above, with many of them here in the UK. Wansford Surgery not only met but exceeded its recruitment target, signing up 61 patients - a testament to the proactive spirit of our local community.
For many participants, this was their first colonoscopy. The chance to have this procedure done at Fitzwilliam Hospital, outside the standard NHS screening program, was a big draw. The possibility of early cancer detection and the peace of mind that comes with it were powerful motivators, especially given the increased awareness of bowel cancer thanks to media coverage.
Why Clinical Research Participation Matters
Fitzwilliam Hospital’s involvement in The Lighthouse Project highlights just how important clinical research is in pushing medical knowledge forward and improving patient outcomes. When you participate in these studies, you’re not just helping yourself, you’re contributing to the future of healthcare.People join research studies for all sorts of reasons, including:
- Taking Charge of Their Health: Learning more about their own health conditions and treatments.
- Access to Advanced Healthcare: Gaining access to cutting-edge treatments not available elsewhere, especially when current options aren’t working.
- Supporting Loved Ones: Joining as a healthy volunteer to support research that could benefit a friend or family member in the future.
Get Involved with Wansford Surgery’s Research Studies
Wansford Surgery is gearing up for more research studies in the coming weeks and they’re always on the lookout for participants. If you’re interested in getting involved, reach out to their research team to express your interest. Participants are fully informed about what’s involved and can opt out at any time. You’ll get access to the study results to help keep you engaged and informed about your healthcare journey.
To learn more or to sign up for upcoming research studies, contact Wansford Surgery’s research team at 01780 781623. Your involvement could be key in the development of life-saving medical advancements, whilst gaining access to the latest in healthcare innovation.
________________________________________
Reference:
- Cancer Research UK: Learn more about the impact of clinical research