What type of study was ASCEND2?

ASCEND2 was designed as a randomised controlled trial. The intervention group received a GP endorsement statement with the letter accompanying their screening kit from the BCSP.

In the ASCEND study, four different invitation/information strategies were tested and compared with the standard bowel cancer screening invitation letter to see if screening participation improved.

GP practices were recruited as part of the ASCEND study and those that consented were included in ASCEND2.

No other aspects of the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme were changed during the study. People received the same care as part of the screening programme regardless of whether they received an alternative invitation, or had their information used as part of the study.