Oxford University Hospitals Team to Run Oxford Half Marathon to Raise Funds for Colorectal Cancer Research

Strategic Insights -

A team of medical professionals from Oxford University Hospitals will participate in the Oxford Half Marathon on October 12 to raise awareness and funds for colorectal cancer research. The team, comprising colorectal surgeons and an anaesthetist, will run the 13.1-mile course to support the Oxford Colon Cancer Trust (Occtopus) and its mission to improve patient care and outcomes for bowel cancer and other colorectal conditions. The team's effort comes amidst a sharp rise in bowel cancer cases across Oxford, with around 450 people diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year, and a more than doubling of cases at Oxford University Hospitals over the past five years.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Oxford University Hospitals team will run the Oxford Half Marathon on October 12 to raise funds for the Oxford Colon Cancer Trust (Occtopus).
  • The team aims to raise awareness and funding for bowel cancer, Crohn's, and colitis research and patient support.
  • According to the National Bowel Cancer Audit, around 450 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer in Oxford each year.
  • Cases of bowel cancer at Oxford University Hospitals have more than doubled in five years, rising from 213 in 2015 to 441 in 2020.
  • The Oxford University Hospitals inflammatory bowel disease team supports an estimated 6,500 to 7,000 Crohn's and colitis patients across Oxfordshire.
  • Dr. Kat Baker, a consultant colorectal surgeon, emphasized the importance of advancing research and innovation in colorectal health, especially in light of increasing cases of young adults with colorectal cancer.
  • Occtopus supports research, innovation, and new treatments for colorectal diseases and aims to improve patient care and provide resources for people affected by bowel cancer and other colorectal conditions in Oxfordshire.
  • The team's challenge aims to raise awareness about the increasing prevalence of these diseases and the ongoing need for research and support.

Statistics:

  • Around 450 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer in Oxford each year (National Bowel Cancer Audit).
  • Cases of bowel cancer at Oxford University Hospitals have more than doubled in five years, rising from 213 in 2015 to 441 in 2020.
  • The Oxford University Hospitals inflammatory bowel disease team supports an estimated 6,500 to 7,000 Crohn's and colitis patients across Oxfordshire.
  • Around 13,000 people are expected to participate in the 2022 Oxford Half Marathon.
  • Occtopus was founded in 2003 by consultants and former patients of Oxford University Hospitals.

Sources:

  • [1] National Bowel Cancer Audit
  • [2] Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
  • [3] Occtopus (Oxford Colon Cancer Trust)