IMPERIAL CANCER RESEARCH FUND
COLORECTAL CANCER UNIT
ST MARK’S HOSPITAL, HARROW, MIDDLESEX

MEDICAL STATISTICIAN

We are looking for a medical statistician to join an enthusiastic team
working on the analysis of a major MRC and NHS R& D funded trial of
screening for colorectal cancer.  The trial has randomised 195,000 men and
women in 14 centres throughout the UK, and screening of those in the
intervention arm (over 40,000) is now complete.

The trial is co-ordinated from St. Mark’s Hospital in Harrow (North-West
London) - an institution internationally renowned for the treatment of
diseases of the colon and rectum. The Imperial Cancer Research Fund (ICRF)
Colorectal Unit is also undertaking research into the molecular aetiology
of colorectal cancer and is highly regarded internationally for the quality
of its research.

St Mark's Hospital and Academic Units are situated on the Northwick Park
campus 5 minutes walk from Northwick Park tube station which is on the
Metropolitan Line. It is close to the stations in Harrow and 10-15 minutes
walk from Kenton station (Bakerloo line; British Rail)

Cancer of the bowel (colorectum) is a major cause of cancer death in most
industrialised populations, which consume a diet high in meat and saturated
fats and low in vegetables and fibre. Survival rates are relatively low
since the disease is usually diagnosed at a late stage when the disease has
spread and surgical treatment is of limited value. Several methods have
been advocated to reduce mortality rates. Primary prevention by diet and
lifestyle modification would be the ideal, but unless a large proportion of
the population makes a dramatic change in diet, this measure alone is
unlikely to have a major impact. 

Cancer of the bowel is particularly amenable to screening since most
cancers develop from small benign polyps which can be easily removed during
screening. We have suggested that a once-only examination of the bowel by a
flexible endoscope at around age 60 might be an acceptable, cost-effective
means of preventing the disease. The trial was ranked second out of over
1000 projects as a priority for research by the Department of Health in
1994. With a £5 million grant from the Medical Research Council we have
undertaken a randomised, controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and
acceptability of this screening regimen. The trial, using the same protocol
is also being undertaken in Northern Italy. 

We have now completed the recruitment and screening phase of the trial and
have commenced analysis of the wealth of data collected. A post is now
available for a medical statistician to participate in the analysis of the
results of this important, very interesting and rewarding trial. 

The successful applicant will ideally have an MSc in Medical Statistics,
otherwise a first-degree in maths or statistics is essential.  Previous
experience of research in a health related discipline is desirable but not
essential.  Experience of SQL and STATA would be an advantage, while some
related experience of using computers for statistical analysis and data
management is essential.

The post might particularly interest a student completing an MSc in Medical
Statistics and there might be an opportunity for the successful candidate
to undertake research for their Master's 'summer project' on one aspect of
the trial results.

The post is for two years in the first instance.  The starting salary will
be up to £21,508 per annum, with 25 days annual leave, plus public and bank
holidays.

For further information contact Dr. Wendy Atkin (tel: 0181 235 4265;
e-mail: [log in to unmask]).  For a job description and application form
please send an A4 stamped addressed envelope to: The Personnel Department,
Imperial Cancer Research Fund, 44 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PX,
quoting job reference 4243. 



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