RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

COLO-COHORT (Colorectal Cancer Cohort) Study

The COLO-COHORT study wants to improve how we find people at higher risk of bowel cancer or early pre-cancerous growths (adenomas). Bowel cancer is a serious illness, and while current screening is good, it could be better. This research will look at many things that might increase risk, beyond just age, such as lifestyle, family history, and even the bacteria in your gut. By collecting information from thousands of patients having colonoscopies, including health questionnaires, measurements, and different types of tests, scientists hope to create a smarter way to predict risk. This could lead to earlier detection and better ways to prevent bowel cancer for people in the UK.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

15,000

Start

13 Dec 2019

Estimated completion

15 Aug 2026

Colorectal Cancer Colorectal Adenoma Colorectal Neoplasm Predictive Cancer Model Model

What is this study about?

The COLO-COHORT study is looking into new ways to understand who might be at a higher risk of developing bowel cancer or pre-cancerous growths called adenomas. Bowel cancer is a big concern in the UK, and while we have screening programs, the study aims to make these even more effective. Currently, screening mainly considers age, but researchers believe other factors like diet, smoking, family history, and even the types of bacteria living in your gut could play a big role.

Over the next five years, researchers will gather information from 10,000 patients across the country who are already having a colonoscopy (a procedure to look inside your bowel). They will collect details about people's health, lifestyle, and take samples like blood, stool, and saliva. By putting all this information together, they hope to build a 'prediction model' – a kind of smart tool that can more accurately identify people who might be at higher risk. This model could then help doctors decide who needs closer attention or earlier screening.

Ultimately, this research could lead to earlier detection of bowel cancer or pre-cancerous conditions, which usually means treatments are more successful. It's about finding better ways to keep people healthy and to prevent serious illness by understanding individual risks more completely.

Key takeaways

Aims to predict bowel cancer risk better than current methods.
Investigates health factors, new stool tests, and gut bacteria.
Involves patients already having a colonoscopy.
Participation includes questionnaires, measurements, and samples.
Could lead to earlier detection and prevention for future patients.
Your medical care will not be affected by taking part.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for two main groups of people. Group A includes adults aged 30 and over who are already scheduled for a colonoscopy. This might be because they've had a positive result from the NHS bowel screening test, or because they have symptoms like changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or bleeding. It also includes those having a colonoscopy because of a family history of bowel conditions.

Group B is for anyone aged 18 or over in the North of England who is having a colonoscopy and is willing to be contacted for future research. This group helps researchers build a wider base for future studies.

You wouldn't be able to join if you can't give your informed consent, have certain bowel conditions like a known polyposis syndrome, or have had major bowel surgery in the past, or are already in another major cancer prevention trial.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 30 years old or over (for Group A)?
Are you 18 years old or over (for Group B, North of England)?
Are you planned to have a colonoscopy soon?
Do you have a known bowel condition like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that would make you ineligible?
Can you understand and agree to take part in the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be asked to do a few things, usually around the time of your scheduled colonoscopy. You'll fill out a health questionnaire about your lifestyle and medical history. Researchers will also measure your height, weight, and waist size. Depending on why you're having your colonoscopy, you might be asked to provide blood, stool (poo), or saliva samples.

After your colonoscopy, the study will record what was found. Some participants will also be asked to complete a questionnaire about their experience or one about their eating habits. There are no extra hospital visits solely for the study; most information is collected during your existing appointments. The information you provide will help build the risk prediction model.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study won't directly improve your current health. However, the information you share could greatly benefit others in the future by helping doctors better predict who is at risk of bowel cancer. There are minimal risks involved, as most procedures (like colonoscopy and blood tests) are part of your routine care. You might spend a little extra time filling out questionnaires or providing samples. Remember, your participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (3)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
South Shields, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Kettering General Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Kettering, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Stockton-on-Tees, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'colonoscopy'?

A colonoscopy is a medical procedure where a doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to look inside your entire large bowel (colon) and rectum.

What is 'bowel cancer screening'?

Bowel cancer screening is a way to look for early signs of cancer in people who don't have symptoms. In the UK, this often involves a home test for blood in your stool.

What are 'adenomas'?

Adenomas are small growths, often called polyps, on the lining of the bowel. They are not cancer but can sometimes turn into cancer over time.

What does 'gut bacteria' mean?

Gut bacteria refers to the billions of tiny living organisms that naturally live in your digestive system. They play a role in your health and digest your food.

Will this study change my medical treatment?

No, this study is for research purposes only and will not directly change the medical care you receive for your current condition.

How to find out more

Sara Koo

sara.koo@stft.nhs.uk 0191 404 1000 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.