A £1 million research study aimed at transforming the diagnosis of colorectal cancer has been launched in Telford.

The TRIOMIC study at the Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) is set to significantly cut waiting times and reduce the anxiety associated with a colorectal cancer diagnosis.

As part of this study, a new test is being developed to minimise the need for invasive colonoscopies.

This test will be administered outside a hospital setting, at the CDC in Hollinswood House, Stafford Park.

Around 6,000 symptomatic patients on the Colorectal Urgent Suspected Cancer pathway at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) will be recruited for the year-long study.

The test, which is quick and painless, uses the Oricol device to collect rectal mucus samples.

These will be assessed in laboratories for the presence of abnormal cells from cancer and significant polyps.

If the new technology proves successful, eight out of ten patients will receive confirmation that they do not have cancer within five days, as opposed to undergoing a 45-minute colonoscopy that requires full bowel preparation and a separate hospital visit.

The study aims to improve the patient experience, alleviate the workload of overstretched staff, and reduce costs for SaTH, which manages the county's acute hospitals and the CDC.

SaTH has collaborated with industry for the trial, with Origin Sciences providing funding for staff and capital costs to support the development of the new pathway.

Three clinic rooms will be created at the CDC and 14 staff members have been recruited.

Jon Lacy-Colson, consultant colorectal surgeon and chief investigator for the trial, said: "The trial offers the Trust the chance to be at the forefront of a new exciting development in colorectal cancer, both in terms of the model of care by moving the pathway into a CDC rather than competing with space in acute trust and being at the forefront of a new diagnostic test.

"During the trial, every patient will get a face-to-face consultation with a clinical nurse specialist at the CDC within five days of being referred by their GP.

"They won’t have to go to an acute hospital - every patient will have a gold star consultation."

Dr John Jones, medical director at SaTH, said: "This clinical trial is such a fantastic opportunity for the Trust to be at the cutting-edge of science.

"If the new test works, it will revolutionise the entire colorectal cancer diagnostic pathway.

"It could provide a gold standard colorectal cancer pathway for every patient.

"Patients will not be sent inappropriately for tests they are not fit for.

"The right patient will be sent for the right test with patients getting diagnosis or reassurance earlier."

Colorectal cancer affects 42,000 people a year in the UK and SaTH sees about 350 colorectal cancer cases a year.

With the current pathway, each year more than 5,000 patients are discharged with no further action; more than 5,000 patients undergo prep and a 'normal' colonoscopy and the cost to the Trust is £3-5 million per year.