C the Signs is redefining cancer diagnosis, as demonstrated at the prestigious Early Detection of Cancer Conference 2024 in San Francisco. The global event is organised by Cancer Research UK, the Canary Center at Stanford, the Knight Cancer Institute, and Oregon Health & Science University, and is renowned for bringing together leaders in cancer research.

The groundbreaking research, titled "Improving the Faster Diagnostic Standard for Colorectal Cancer in the NHS: The Impact of C the Signs", details a highly collaborative partnership between C the Signs, NHS Somerset, and NHS Somerset ICB, proving how the platform is significantly reducing time to diagnosis for patients on the bowel cancer pathway. A project that leveraged AI technology to streamline the pathway for colorectal cancer diagnosis, addressing the delays that often lead to late-stage diagnosis, and ultimately, poorer outcomes for patients.

In a study of over 1,400 patients referred for suspected bowel cancer, the C the Signs Platform achieved a nearly 50% improvement in diagnosis times. 70% of patients received a diagnosis within the 28-day target, a remarkable result compared to previous methods. This isn’t just a statistic—this is about saving lives. The faster patients are diagnosed, the better their chances of survival. Read the full poster presented at the conference here.

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Early Diagnosis is Critical: C the Signs is Leading the Way

Bowel cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the UK. Early diagnosis can be the difference between life and death: 90% of patients diagnosed at an early stage survive, compared to just 10% when cancer is caught late. Each month of delay in diagnosis results in a 10% increase in mortality—a stark reminder of how critical speed is in cancer care.

To address this, the UK introduced the 28-day Faster Diagnosis Standard, aiming for patients to be diagnosed or ruled out of cancer within 28 days. However, rising patient demand and limited capacity are making it difficult for many hospitals to meet this standard. C the Signs steps in to solve this problem.

This dramatic improvement in achieving the FDS shows the real-world impact of C the Signs’ AI-driven platform. By analysing vast amounts of data—including patient history, genetics, symptoms, and demographics—C the Signs supports healthcare professionals with evidence-based triage. The result? Earlier identification, quicker referrals, and better outcomes for patients.

How the Platform is Transforming Cancer Diagnosis

Using advanced AI technology, the C the Signs Platform enables healthcare providers to rapidly assess and risk stratify patients. In less than a minute, the platform identifies whether a patient is at risk, determines the most likely type of cancer, and routes them to the appropriate diagnostics or specialist referrals.

Patients also benefit from receiving real-time updates about their tests, keeping them informed and engaged throughout the process. This level of patient engagement, combined with real-time monitoring, ensures that patients move through the care pathway swiftly and efficiently—minimising delays that could affect outcomes.

Driving Early Action, Saving Lives

Bowel cancer takes thousands of lives every year, but C the Signs is helping to rewrite that story. By speeding up diagnoses and getting patients the care they need sooner, the platform is giving more people a fighting chance at survival.

The research presented at the Early Detection of Cancer Conference 2024 reinforces what’s becoming increasingly clear: AI-powered technology like C the Signs isn’t just the future of cancer care—it’s changing the landscape today.

If you’re ready to learn more about how the C the Signs Platform is transforming cancer care and driving faster, more effective diagnoses, please get in touch by clicking here.

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