INEQUALITIES RESEARCH THEME
Our inequalities theme aims to uncover the drivers of inequalities in early cancer detection to inform screening programmes, community-based interventions and more inclusive research practices.
THEME OVERVIEW
Early detection has the power to reduce the burden of cancer for everyone. However, current approaches don't benefit all groups equally.
This theme aims to address these inequalities by developing early detection approaches that account for differences in disease risk, screening accessibility and diagnostic pathways. We will apply this work across diverse populations and healthcare systems.
The team supports colleagues across the International Alliance for Cancer Early Detection (ACED) to embed equity, diversity and inclusion in their research, from study design to analysis and interpretation.
RESEARCH AIMS AND EXPECTED OUTCOMES
Explore inequalities in diagnostic pathways and co-produce community and primary care-based interventions with patients and the public.
Establish adaptive risk-modelling frameworks to assess factors influencing the effectiveness of screening approaches in diverse populations.
Evaluate the potential of new and emerging early detection interventions and tests to address inequalities and create generalised frameworks for implementation in clinical care.
Develop approaches that improve participation of underrepresented groups in early detection and screening research and establish novel tools to support the recruitment of diverse participants.
KEY CONTACTS
Sam Merriel
The University of Manchester ACED Centre
Inequalities research theme Co-lead
Sam is a GP and Clinical Senior Lecturer at The University of Manchester. His main research interests are the early detection and prevention of cancer, understanding and addressing cancer inequalities and the evaluation and implementation of new diagnostic tests in primary care.
Timothy Rebbeck
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) ACED Centre Director
Inequalities research theme Co-lead
Inherited cancers research theme Co-lead
Timothy is the Vincent L Gregory Professor of Cancer Prevention and Director of the Zhu Family Center for Global Cancer Prevention at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health and DFCI. His primary research interests are in cancer genetics and molecular epidemiology, prevention, early detection, and addressing health disparities in high-risk populations.
Lydia Conley
DFCI ACED Centre Programme Manager
Lydia plays a key role in both the inequalities and inherited research themes and provides operational support for the ACED centre at DFCI.
Martin Bone
The University of Manchester ACED Centre Programme Manager
Martin oversees both the inequalities and inherited research themes, and provides operational support for the ACED centre at The University of Manchester.
OUR RESEARCH PRIORITIES
Our work to date has focused on screening and early detection in different population groups. This is supported by systematic evaluation to understand and minimise potential negative impacts of these approaches.
We are expanding this work by examining the underlying biological, behavioural and social drivers of cancer inequalities. We’re also developing interventions to address these, particularly within primary‑care and community settings.
Our international reach and expertise in health equity ensure our findings are applicable across different healthcare systems including in the UK, US and Germany.
OUR APPROACH
How we deliver this research
Our research brings together experts in cancer epidemiology, primary care, behavioural science, population health, data science and community engagement to tackle inequalities in cancer early detection. By combining expertise from different disciplines and countries, and working closely with diverse communities, we can better understand why some groups experience poorer outcomes and identify opportunities to improve earlier diagnosis and lasting change.
We’re using innovative analytical approaches and population-level data to explore how biological, social, behavioural and healthcare factors interact to influence access to screening, diagnosis and early detection. Alongside this, we are developing more representative population datasets and modelling approaches to ensure future early detection innovations can be designed and evaluated equitably.
By combining novel methods, representative data and community partnerships, we aim to develop and test practical solutions that improve participation in screening and support more equitable cancer early detection for all populations. Collaboration with our other ACED research themes will ensure equity considerations are embedded across early detection approaches.
Patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE)
The patient and public voice is central to our work.
This theme is supported by our PPIE champions and by a wider group of patient and community advocates across all centres. They provide insights into local contexts and priorities and help to shape the design, delivery and communication of future studies.
EXPLORE OUR OTHER RESEARCH THEMES
Immunology
Harnessing the immune system for cancer early detection.
Inherited cancers
Investigating hereditary cancer populations to understand disease initiation and inform early detection and interception strategies.
Interception
Detecting and understanding pre-cancerous changes to identify targets for precision cancer interception.