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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. %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%