Gastrointestinal Cancers Policy and Evaluation

Using the predictive modelling platform, Policy1–Bowel, the team is performing modelled evaluations of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) to help guide investment, and support uptake of the program across Australia, aid recovery after disruptions to the program (e.g., COVID-19 or bushfires), and to help inform strategies for targeting vulnerable groups. The team is also performing managing the update to the population screening and family history chapters of the clinical practice guidelines as well as cost-effectiveness evaluations of different approaches to boost participation in the bowel screening program, including mass media campaigns and general practice-led interventions. They are also working as part of the COVID-19 and Cancer Global Modelling Consortium to comparatively model the impact of disruptions to bowel screening caused by COVID-19 internationally.

Our team is leading the MAIL, GP & SCALE project, funding through the National Health and Medical Research Council (2021/GNT2014964). As part of the project, we are leading a national clinical trial to pilot a co-designed general practice-led intervention to increase participation in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP).

The findings of the trial will be combined with other individual and population-level strategies shown to increase participation in the NBCSP to determine which combination of interventions are most effective to support bowel cancer screening across Australia. Results will be available in early 2026.

The team is evaluating areas of priority for colorectal cancer prevention and control such as modifiable exposures and risk factors, including smoking, body fatness and daily aspirin intake. The evidence will help inform clinical practice guidelines.

Colorectal cancer costs the Australian healthcare system more than any other cancer, accounting for around one sixth of total cancer-related costs, but little is understood about the financial impact for patients. Using data from the longitudinal 45 and Up Study, the team is investigating the detailed direct costs and out of pocket costs of bowel cancer patients.

The team is working on the current and future burden of multiple myeloma in Australia as part of Cancer-PPP. They are working with collaborators to project future patient numbers for multiple myeloma given its increasing prevalence.

The team is working towards an understanding of the burden of liver cancer in Australia and overseas. In Australia, they have worked with collaborators to develop a roadmap for improving liver cancer outcomes. This has informed the development of Clinical Guidelines for surveillance of  populations at high risk. The team is also exploring the impact on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcohol related liver disease on liver cancer in Australia now and in the future.

With support from the Cancer Institute NSW (2024/SPG001), our team has investigated ways to support primary care practitioners to deliver guideline appropriate assessment, triage and referral for colonoscopy services. We have developed an online decision tool, Refer4Scope , and supporting educational modules.

The Refer4Scope tool is publicly available and can be accessed directly via the Cancer Institute NSW website. The education modules will be made available in late 2025.

In a separate project also supported by the Cancer Institute NSW (2024/SPG002), our team has taken a co-design approach to better understand the specific needs and issues relating to colonoscopy service access in NSW.  In working with consumers, health care professionals and stakeholders, we will identify barriers and propose strategies and recommendations for future action to improve colonoscopy access. This project is due for completion in late 2025.