Acceptability of new generic blood tests for early tumour detection and development of an associated on-line peer-support programme (eCOPE).

Background UK rates of early cancer detection are lower than in many other western countries and survival remains relatively poor. At present early (pre-symptomatic) cancer detection is limited to cases identified through specific national screening programmes or via incidental radiological findings. In 2012, fifteen UK universities established an Early Cancer Detection (ECD) Consortium to identify, validate and implement new generic blood tests for early tumour detection. Although the introduction of regular Early Cancer Detection blood tests should improve early detection across all cancer types, it will also extend significantly the population of patients who are identified as at risk and their support needs. For patients waiting to receive a final diagnosis of cancer type/stage it will be a stressful experience, as will ongoing surveillance. Method The importance of psychological support is already recognised for people living with cancer. Studies to date indicate that information and support offered has the potential to influence wellbeing, future health behaviour (e.g. screening uptake), and coping with a final diagnosis. Building on a self-management programme developed for survivors of cancer (HOPE), a peer-support programme for ECD patients is being developed (eCOPE). This incorporates online collection of outcomes and health/social care resource use data, enabling impact on patient wellbeing and costs to be recorded during the early diagnostic and monitoring phases. eCOPE development is based on structured psychological approaches, combined with co-creation, and co-delivery (e.g. peer and professional). Results This presentation will outline the first stages in bringing together the underpinning evidence to support the development of an online peer-support programme for Early Cancer Detection patients. Conclusion For large-scale Early Cancer Detection testing any support offered to patients will need to be cost-effective. The development of this novel online peer-support programme offers the potential for a cost effective approach in patient support and self management within an Early Cancer Detection programme.