A search for innovations with the ability to transform cancer screening, and facilitate earlier and faster diagnosis is underway. SBRI Healthcare – an NHS England investment fund led by the AHSN Network – invites entrepreneurs to apply for up to £1.1 million investment to develop innovations.
Since the early 1990s, UK incidence rates of all cancers have increased by 12%. In 2014, 357,000 new cases of cancer were diagnosed. This is the equivalent of 980 new diagnoses every day. This reality means that most of us will face the anxiety of ourselves or a loved one receiving a cancer diagnosis at some point in our lives.
More than half of people receiving a cancer diagnosis will now live ten years or more. But there is much we could do to diagnose earlier and faster and improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Karen Livingstone, SBRI Healthcare National Director, said: “We know that improving the ability to screen for and diagnose cancer earlier and faster, using tests that are accessible and minimally invasive, will enhance our already record high survival rates.
“Detecting cancer in its earliest stages means treatment has a greater chance of success. Currently only 6% of cancer cases in England are diagnosed by screening. SBRI Healthcare funding will help speed up the development of innovations which can achieve earlier diagnoses of cancer – leading to more successful treatment.”
Successful applicants can receive up to £100,000 of funding for phase one feasibility bids; and up to £1 million for phase two development bids, for solutions that match the needs of the NHS.
Applications close 6 September 2017.
More information can be found at www.sbrihealthcare.co.uk
