Winning category:
STEM Company of the Year (under 50 employees)
Brief description of business:
CanSense is developing a fast, inexpensive, and scalable test for the early diagnosis of bowel cancer using artificial intelligence-based modelling (AI). The test is a potential game changer in the approach to bowel cancer diagnosis and screening. It is focused on patient acceptability and reduced mortality via early-stage diagnosis. It has the additional benefit of reducing the demands on more invasive colonoscopy diagnosis and reducing the financial burden on the healthcare provider.
Why they deserved to win their category:
With bowel cancer being the second most common cancer globally, and patients suffering the longest wait times on secondary care diagnosis lists, CanSense’s disruptive technology allows clinicians to make quick and informed decisions for their patients, reducing patient anxiety, as well as diagnosis and treatment processes for those at greatest risk.
The test has been successful in reducing the need for unnecessary colonoscopies by 65%, saving the NHS ~£260M per year, relieving pressure on diagnostic resources.
CanSense’s ultimate goal is to redesign referral pathways, triggering a rapid Direct to Test colonoscopy which it hopes will reduce late-stage cancer treatment costs, improve patient outcomes, patient experience and operational efficiency.
How does the individual, business or organisation further the STEM sector in Wales:
With a team of cofounders based in Wales’ Universities, CanSense technology has been developed based on a strong program of academic research which helped to inform its concept back in 2013.
Cansense established its test on a growing interest in liquid biopsies – a less invasive option for patients and hopes to continue to recruit a host of STEM ambassadors from across Wales to further its journey in cancer diagnosis.
Over 40% of its staff are female STEM professionals and the team continues to teach and inspire the next generation of STEM enthusiasts through a host of presentations, conferences and events across the South Wales region.
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