Dr Sharadah Essapen

Dr Essapen was appointed as Consultant Clinical Oncologist at St Luke’s Cancer Centre (Royal Surrey County NHS Foundation Trust) in February 2003, and although she previously specialised in gastrointestinal and gynaecological cancers, she now only treats patients with colorectal and anal cancers (i.e. lower gastrointestinal cancers). She undertook her formal Oncology training in a number of large Cancer Centres – Barts and The London NHS Trust, the Royal Marsden Hospital and the Royal Surrey County FT. Prior to her Consultant appointment, she undertook a two-year MD research programme that investigated whether specific proteins in colon cancer could predict prognosis. She has previously held the post of Lead Clinician for Radiotherapy, Lead Clinician for Chemotherapy, and more recently Chief of Service for Oncology at St Luke’s Cancer Centre,  and has also served three years on the Medical Advisory Committee at Mount Alvernia BMI Hospital.  Dr Essapen served as a Trustee for two SLCC-based charities for over 15 years - BRIGHT (a gastrointestinal cancer charity) and GRACE (Gynae-oncology Research and Clinical Excellence). She is fully committed to supporting research and improving outcomes for her patients.

Dr Essapen specialises in the treatment of colorectal and anal cancers. She is trained in the delivery of Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) for anal and rectal cancers. She plays a significant role in clinical research at St Luke’s Cancer Centre (SLCC) and is the Principal Investigator on a number of national and international colorectal cancer trials. She is also involved in collaborative laboratory-based research investigating the prognostic role of cancer cell surface receptors and has published widely in her area of expertise. Dr Essapen is based at The Royal Surrey County NHS Foundation Trust (RSCNFT), but also works at St Peter’s NHS Trust and Frimley Park NHS Foundation Trust. She has also worked in a number of managerial roles at St Luke's Cancer Centre, including Chief of Service for Oncology and Chemotherapy Lead, and so has a breadth of knowledge and experience in health care and is is committed to improving cancer care.