The bowel cancer awareness campaign 'Be Clear on Cancer': sustained increased pressure on resources and over-accessed by higher social grades with no increase in cancer detected

• Published in: Colorectal disease 2016-02, Vol.18 (2), p.195-199
• Main Authors: Hall, S. J., Peacock, J. D. H., Cochrane, L. A., Peacock, O., Tierney, G. M., Tou, S. I. H., Lund, J. N.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; campaign; cancer; Colorectal; Colorectal Neoplasms - diagnosis; Early Detection of Cancer - methods; Early Detection of Cancer - statistics & numerical data; England; Female; Health Promotion - methods; Health Promotion - statistics & numerical data; Health Resources - utilization; Health Services Needs and Demand - statistics & numerical data; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Referral and Consultation - statistics & numerical data; Social Class
• ISSN: 1462-8910; 1463-1318
• DOI: 10.1111/codi.13107

Aim To evaluate the impact of the national ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ bowel cancer reminder campaign on service and diagnosis at a single UK institution. Secondly, to evaluate the socio‐economic background of patients referred before and after the reminder campaign compared with the regional demographic. Method Suspected cancer 2‐week wait patients in the 3 months precampaign, postcampaign and after the reminder campaign were included. Demographics, investigations and diagnosis were recorded. The postcode was used to allocate a National Readership Survey social grade. Results Three hundred and eighty‐three referrals were received in the 3 months precampaign, 550 postcampaign and 470 postreminder campaign. There were significant increases in the monthly referral rates following the campaign (P