Staff Profile

President of British Society Gastroenterology 2024-26

NIHR Senior Investigator 2020-24

Vice President (Chair of Endoscopy) of British Society Gastroenterology 2015-17

Chair of British Society of Gastroenterology Endoscopy Research

Chair of British Society of Gastroenterology Covid-19 research group

Chair of European Endoscopy Research 2012-16

European lead on World Endoscopic Optical Diagnosis Group

Chair of European Colonoscopy Research Group

Member of European Endoscopy Quality Committee

Member of British Society of Gastroenterology Research Committee

Chair of NCRI Colorectal Cancer Screening and Prevention Committee

Gastroenterologist on National Bowel Cancer Screening Research Committee

Chair of British Society of Gastroenterology Quality Improvement Programme

Editorial Board Member GUT and Endoscopy Journals

Founder Northern Region Endoscopy Group

Lead of Newcastle University Colorectal Cancer Research Group

Division 6 NIHR Medical Director North East and Cumbria LCRN 2014-16

Specialty Group Lead for Gastroenterology for NTW LCRN 2011-14

Research Director South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust 2010-19

 

More than 12000 patients have been recruited to NIHR studies I have led as Chief Investigator 2012-19

Discard 2 – 1700 patients (2012-14) – recruited ahead of target

ADENOMA – 1800 patients (2015-16) – recruited 6 months ahead of target

BADENOMA – 3222 patients (2017-18) – recruited 8 months ahead of target

SCOPE ME – 800 patients (2017-18)

OSCAR – 1400 patients (2018 -19) open

QIC award winning study – 15000 colonoscopies showing sustained Quality Improvement in Colonoscopy for > 3 years post study intervention

Winner of Royal College of Physicians Excellence in Patient Care Award 2020

Winner UK Healthcare industry award for research November 2018

Winner AHSN NIHR Innovation award for research November 2018

Winner of Medilink Healthcare Business award for research March 2018

Winner of Health Service Journal Research Impact Award 2016

Winner of SAGE national GI Award 2016

Royal College of Physicians and NIHR leading research consultant award 2015

British Society of Gastroenterology Hopkins Endoscopy Prize winner 2015

Chief Investigator / LCRN Trial of the Year 2015

North East Innovation Award 2014

United European Gastroenterology Week prize winner 2014

Winner (Northern Region Endoscopy Group) of Shire national GI award winner 2013

Current studies

 COLO-SPEED

I have established an international CRC research group – COLO-SPEED (colorectal cancer screening, prevention, endoscopy and early diagnosis). I am leading a team of 40 senior UK academics to develop world leading CRC research collaboration and infrastructure. (COLO-SPEED) has funding of £4 million directly & > £10 million as supported studies. Several grants active and several submitted.

COLOCOHORT

This is a £1.25 million AMRC charity funded grant (awarded October 2018) to undertake a 10 000-patient cohort study to develop a risk prediction model for colorectal neoplasia. 

 

Grants

 Chief Investigator £3.0 million

Senior co-investigator further £5 million

Co-applicant on several currently submitted applications totaling £8 million

Leading COLO-SPEED UK wide CRC application

Awarded COLO-COHORT £1.25 million October 2018

Awarded COLO-SPEED £1 million May 2019

Awarded COLODETECT £540 000 May 2020

Awarded COLOSPIRIT March 2020 £140 000

 

I have supervised 12 research fellows (MD or PhD) & several research nurses in last 5 years - all gaining higher degrees. I examine for higher degrees in UK & internationally & developed Europe wide endoscopy training modules

I introduced national live endoscopy training to UK delivering largest ever endoscopy events – BSG Endoscopy Live (BSGEL) 2015/17/19 with approx. 1500 delegates & almost £1 million in sponsorship. BSGEL has delivered multiple cases via satellite from multiple units & was rated as excellent or good by 97% of delegates. I organised endoscopy programme for BSG annual meeting (2200 delegates) introducing live endoscopy and hands on endoscopy training

I have established fellowships for UK endoscopists to receive training at leading units in Europe, Asia & USA. I am regularly invited to speak on endoscopy quality, research & screening nationally and internationally

 

• Articles

  • Haworth E, Addison C, Hamilton W, Rees C, Dunn I, Wheatstone P, Sharp L, Dobson C. Sociodemographic variation in symptomatic faecal immunochemical testing return: a population-based analysis of 125 659 patients. British Journal of General Practice 2026, 76(763), e108-e115.
  • Brix LD, Neilson LJ, Rees C, Sharp L, Grode LB. Measuring outpatient colonoscopy experiences in Denmark using the Newcastle EndoPREM. Frontline Gastroenterology 2026, Epub ahead of print.
  • Louca P, Manning S, Hackney E, Sharp L, Hull M, Koo S, Young G, Taylor G, Dunneram Y, Mitra S, Hampton S, Dobson C, Neilson L, Addison C, El-Omar E, Stewart C, Rees C. Gut Microbiome Signatures in Colorectal Neoplasia: A Cross-Sectional Study Across Neoplasia Stages and Subtypes. Gut 2026, epub ahead of print.
  • O'Morain N, Haworth E, Dobson C, Ahmed W, Kluettgens C, Oates B, Oppong K, Penman I, Rees C, Sharp L, Everett SM. Factors associated with adherence to standard guidelines for ERCP in the management of bile duct stones. Frontline Gastroenterology 2026, Epub ahead of print.
  • Frazzoni L, Spada C, Manes G, Fabbri C, Di Marco M, Mussetto A, Bertani H, Radaelli F, Hassan C, Antonelli G, Facciorusso A, Dinis-Ribeiro M, Rees CJ, Fuccio L, Conigliaro R, Manno M, Fusaroli P, Tontini GE, Ferrara F, Anderloni A, Aragona G, Sassatelli R, Fantin A, Di Mitri R, Frazzoni M, Barbara G, Laterza L, La Marca M, Cortellini F, Gibiino G, Binda C, Mauro A, Sorge A, Cecinato P, Di Giorgio V, Lisai G, Castronovo D, De Bonis L, Barbera E, D'Amico G, Scala P, Salvatore C, Paci V, Nicoletti I. Development of the PROMOTE model to stratify colorectal cancer risk for prioritization of colonoscopy resource use: A multicenter prospective study. Endoscopy 2026, 58(04), 397-406.
  • Sun G, Fuller H, Fenton H, Race AD, Downing A, Rees CJ, Brown LC, Loadman PM, Williams EA, Hull MA. The Relationship Between Dietary and Supplemental omega-3 Highly Unsaturated Fatty Acid Intake, Blood and Tissue omega-3 Highly Unsaturated Fatty Acid Concentrations, and Colorectal Polyp Recurrence: A Secondary Analysis of the seAFOod Polyp Prevention Trial. Journal of Nutrition 2025, 155(2), 549-558.
  • Din S, Rodrigues A, Avery P, Tucker N, Attwood D, Ainley R, Alderson S, Arnott I, Banerjee S, Brownfield G, Croft H, Hawthorne AB, Lamb CA, Lindley K, Maxted VE, Maxwell-Armstrong C, Murdock A, Picton C, Rees C, Reid A, Selinger C, Sinha L, Sleet S, Thompson J, Turner J, Turvill J, Wakeman R, Woodward J, Veitch A, Urwin H, Lower GI Symptoms Collaborative group. Primary care diagnostic pathways for lower gastrointestinal symptoms. The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology 2025, 10(1), 9-11.
  • Dobson C, Biran A, Hamilton W, Rees C, von Wagner C, Sharp L. Practitioner perspectives on symptomatic faecal immunochemical testing: a qualitative interview study. British Journal of General Practice 2025, 75(755), e390-e396.
  • Biran A, Dobson C, Rees CJ, Hamilton W, Humes D, Neilson LJ, Turvill J, Von Wagner C, Whelpton J, Sharp L. Patient experiences and expectations of faecal immunochemical testing for investigation of colorectal cancer symptoms: A cross-sectional qualitative interview study with patients and practitioners in the UK. BMJ Open 2025, 15(5), 093215.
  • Dobson C, Everett SM, Haworth E, Ahmed W, Oppong KW, Penman I, Oated B, Kluettgens B, Rees C, Sharp L. Multimethod study of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography (ERCP) service delivery: stakeholder perspectives on opportunities for quality improvement. Frontline Gastroenterology 2025, Epub ahead of print.
  • Biran A, Dobson C, Rees CJ, Brooks-Pearson R, Cunliffe A, Durrant LA, Ludlow H, Hancock J, Pedley I, Neilson LJ, Wilson A, Sharp L. Healthcare provision for cancer survivors with chronic bowel symptoms post pelvic radiotherapy. “… and then you're kind of cast adrift”: A qualitative study. European Journal of Oncology Nursing 2025, 76, 102895.
  • Biran A, Dobson C, Rees C, Brooks-Pearson R, Cunliffe A, Durrant L, Hancock J, Ludlow H, Neilson L, Wilson A, Sharp L. From pelvic radiation to social isolation: a qualitative study of survivors’ experiences of chronic bowel symptoms after pelvic radiotherapy. Journal of Cancer Survivorship 2025, 19, 1019-1027.
  • Tamm A, Shine B, James T, Withers J, Salih H, Noble T, Varnai KA, East JE, Abel G, Hamilton W, Rees C, Morris EJA, Davies J, Nicholson BD. External validation of the COLOFIT colorectal cancer risk prediction model in the Oxford-FIT dataset: the importance of population characteristics and clinically relevant evaluation metrics. BMC Medicine 2025, 23(1), 503.
  • Crooks CJ, West J, Jones J, Hamilton W, Bailey SER, Abel G, Banerjea A, Rees CJ, Tamm A, Nicholson BD, Benton SC, Hunt N, Humes DJ. COLOFIT: Development and Internal-External Validation of Models Using Age, Sex, Faecal Immunochemical and Blood Tests to Optimise Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer in Symptomatic Patients. Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2025, 61(5), 852-864.
  • Van Bokhorst QNE, Geerlings CV, Van Der Vlugt M, Nass KJ, Borkent JW, Neilson LJ, Fockens P, Rees CJ, Dekker E. Clinician-reported Gloucester Comfort Scale scores underestimate patient discomfort and pain during colonoscopy: Insights from comparison with a patient-reported experience measure. Endoscopy 2025, 57(06), 645-657.
  • Sun G, Fuller H, Fenton H, Race AD, Downing A, Williams EA, Rees CJ, Brown LC, Loadman PM, Hull MA. The effect of aspirin and eicosapentaenoic acid on urinary biomarkers of prostaglandin E₂ synthesis and platelet activation in participants of the seAFOod polyp prevention trial. International Journal of Cancer 2024, 154(5), 873-885.
  • Neilson LJ, Dew R, Hampton JS, Sharp L, Rees CJ. Quality in colonoscopy: time to ensure national standards are implemented?. Frontline Gastroenterology 2024, 14(5), 392-398.
  • Seager A, Sharp L, Neilson LJ, Brand A, Hampton JS, Lee TJW, Evans R, Vale L, Whelpton J, Bestwick N, Rees CJ, Cripps N, Greenaway J, Higham A, Jacob J, Murugananthan A, Nylander D, Patel P, Singh S, Verma AM, COLO-DETECT trial team. Polyp detection with colonoscopy assisted by the GI Genius artificial intelligence endoscopy module compared with standard colonoscopy in routine colonoscopy practice (COLO-DETECT): a multicentre, open-label, parallel-arm, pragmatic randomised controlled trial. The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2024, 9(10), 911-923.
  • Everett SM, Ahmed W, Dobson C, Haworth E, Jarvis M, Kluettgens B, Oates BC, Oppong KW, Rees C, Scarisbrick L, Sharp L, Wadhwani S, Penman ID. British Society of Gastroenterology Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) Quality Improvement Programme: minimum service standards and good practice statements. Frontline Gastroenterology 2024, 15(6), 445-471.
  • Dobson CM, Deane J, Osborne B, Araujo-Soares V, Rees CJ, Angell L, Sharp L. ‘I Do It All Alone’: The Burdens and Benefits of Being Diagnosed With, and Treated for, Colorectal Cancer During the Covid-19 Pandemic. Health Expectations 2024, 27(3), e14110.
  • Fuller H, Race AD, Fenton H, Burke L, Downing A, Williams EA, Rees CJ, Brown LC, Loadman PM, Hull MA. Plasma and rectal mucosal oxylipin levels during aspirin and eicosapentaenoic acid treatment in the seAFOod polyp prevention trial. Prostaglandins Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids 2023, 192, 102570.
  • Fuccio L, Rees CJ, Frazzoni L, Neilson L, Radaelli F, Sharp L, Hassan C, Spada C. Patient-reported experience of colonoscopy in Italy: a multicentre prospective observational study. Gut 2023, 72(12), 2227-2230.
  • Neilson LJ, Fitzgerald RC, Deane J, Debiram-Beecham I, Gulle H, Rees C, Sharp L. Patient experiences of Cytosponge: A qualitative study. Frontline Gastroenterology 2023, 15(1), 28-34.
  • Downing A, Fenton H, Nickerson C, Loadman PM, Williams EA, Rees CJ, Brown LC, Morris EJA, Hull MA. Colorectal polyp outcomes after participation in the seAFOod polyp prevention trial: Evidence of rebound elevated colorectal polyp risk after short-term aspirin use. Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2023, 58(6), 562-572.
  • Rees CJ, Hamilton W. BSG guidelines on faecal immunochemical testing: Are they 'FIT' for purpose?. Gut 2023, 72(10), 1805-1806.
  • Seager A, Sharp L, Hampton JS, Neilson LJ, Lee TJW, Brand A, Evans R, Vale L, Whelpton J, Rees CJ. Trial protocol for COLO-DETECT: A randomized controlled trial of lesion detection comparing colonoscopy assisted by the GI Genius™ artificial intelligence endoscopy module with standard colonoscopy. Colorectal Disease 2022, 24(10), 1227-1237.
  • Hampton J, Koo S, Dobson C, Stewart C, Neilson L, Montague K, Mitra S, Whelpton J, Addison C, Kelly P, Rushton S, Hull M, Sharp L, Rees C. The COLO-COHORT (Colorectal Cancer Cohort) study: Protocol for a multi-centre, observational research study and development of a consent-for-contact research platform. Colorectal Disease 2022, 24(10), 1216-1226.
  • Kerrison R, Travis E, Dobson C, Whitaker K, Rees C, Duffy S, von Wagner C. Barriers and facilitators to colonoscopy following faecal immunochemical test screening for colorectal cancer: a key informant interview study. Patient Education and Counselling 2022, 105(6), 1652-1662.
  • Rutter MD, Evans R, Hoare Z, Von Wagner C, Deane J, Esmaily S, Larkin T, Edwards R, Yeo ST, Spencer LH, Holmes E, Saunders BP, Rees CJ, Tsiamoulos ZP, Beintaris I. WASh multicentre randomised controlled trial: Water-assisted sigmoidoscopy in English NHS bowel scope screening. Gut 2021, 70(5), 845-852.
  • Koo S, Sharp L, Hull M, Rushton S, Neilson LJ, McPherson S, Rees CJ. Uncovering undiagnosed liver disease: Prevalence and opportunity for intervention in a population attending colonoscopy. BMJ Open Gastroenterology 2021, 8(1), e000638.
  • Neilson LJ, Sharp L, Patterson JM, Von Wagner C, Hewitson P, McGregor LM, Rees CJ. The Newcastle ENDOPREM™: A validated patient reported experience measure for gastrointestinal endoscopy. BMJ Open Gastroenterology 2021, 8(1), e000653.
  • Hayee B, East J, Rees CJ, Penman I. Multicentre prospective study of COVID-19 transmission following outpatient GI endoscopy in the UK. Gut 2021, 70(5), 825-828.
  • Rees C, Brhlikova P, Pollock AM. Will HPV vaccination prevent cervical cancer?. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine 2020, 113(2), 64-78.
  • Neilson LJ, East JE, Rajasekhar PT, Bassett P, Dunn S, Bevan R, Paremal S, Esmaily S, Rees CJ. Sustained colonoscopy quality improvement using a simple intervention bundle. Endoscopy 2020, 52(4), 285-292.
  • Neilson LJ, Patterson J, Von Wagner C, Hewitson P, McGregor LM, Sharp L, Rees CJ. Patient experience of gastrointestinal endoscopy: Informing the development of the Newcastle ENDOPREM. Frontline Gastroenterology 2020, 11(3), 209-217.
  • Rees CJ, Brand A, Ngu WS, Stokes C, Hoare Z, Totton N, Bhandari P, Sharp L, Bastable A, Rutter MD, Verma AM, Lee TJ, Walls M. BowelScope: Accuracy of Detection Using Endocuff Optimisation of Mucosal Abnormalities (the B-ADENOMA Study): A multicentre, randomised controlled flexible sigmoidoscopy trial. Gut 2020, 69(11), 1959-1965.
  • Ngu WS, Bevan R, Tsiamoulos ZP, Bassett P, Hoare Z, Rutter MD, Clifford G, Totton N, Lee TJ, Ramadas A, Silcock JG, Painter J, Neilson LJ, Saunders BP, Rees CJ. Improved adenoma detection with Endocuff Vision: The ADENOMA randomised controlled trial. Gut 2019, 68(2), 280-288.
  • Bevan R, Blanks RG, Nickerson C, Saunders BP, Stebbing J, Tighe R, Veitch AM, Garrett W, Rees CJ. Factors affecting adenoma detection rate in a national flexible sigmoidoscopy screening programme: a retrospective analysis. The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2019, 4(3), 239-247.
  • Rees CJ, Koo S. Artificial intelligence — upping the game in gastrointestinal endoscopy?. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2019, 16, 584-585.
  • McGregor LM, Kerrison RS, Green T, MacLeod U, Hughes M, Gibbins M, Morris S, Rees C, Von Wagner C. Using primary care-based paper and telephone interventions to increase uptake of bowel scope screening in Yorkshire: A protocol of a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2018, 8(7), e024616.
  • Kerrison RS, McGregor LM, Counsell N, Marshall S, Prentice A, Isitt J, Rees CJ, von Wagner C. Use of Two Self-referral Reminders and a Theory-Based Leaflet to Increase the Uptake of Flexible Sigmoidoscopy in the English Bowel Scope Screening Program: Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial in London. Annals of Behavioral Medicine : a publication of the Society of Behavioral Medicine 2018, 52(11), 941-951.
  • Quyn AJ, Fraser CG, Stanners G, Carey FA, Rees CJ, Moores B, Steele RJ. Scottish Bowel Screening Programme colonoscopy quality – scope for improvement?. Colorectal Disease 2018, 20(9), O277-O283.
  • Valori R, Cortas G, De Lange T, Balfaqih OS, De Pater M, Eisendrath P, Falt P, Koruk I, Ono A, Rustemovic N, Schoon E, Veitch A, Senore C, Bellisario C, Minozzi S, Bennett C, Bretthauer M, Dinis-Ribeiro M, Domagk D, Hassan C, Kaminski MF, Rees CJ, Spada C, Bisschops R, Rutter M. Performance measures for endoscopy services: A European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Quality Improvement Initiative. Endoscopy 2018, 50(12), 1186-1204.
  • Valori R, Cortas G, de Lange T, Salem Balfaqih O, de Pater M, Eisendrath P, Falt P, Koruk I, Ono A, Rustemovic N, Schoon E, Veitch A, Senore C, Bellisario C, Minozzi S, Bennett C, Bretthauer M, Dinis-Ribeiro M, Domagk D, Hassan C, Kaminski MF, Rees CJ, Spada C, Bisschops R, Rutter M. Performance measures for endoscopy services: A European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) quality improvement initiative. United European Gastroenterology Journal 2018, 7(1), 21-44.
  • Rees CJ, Thomas-Gibson S, Bourke MJ, Rex D, Fockens P, Kaminski MF, Haslam N, Walls M. Managing underperformance in endoscopy: a pragmatic approach. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 2018, 88(4), 737-744.e1.
  • Hull MA, Sprange K, Hepburn T, Tan W, Shafayat A, Rees CJ, Clifford G, Logan RF, Loadman PM, Williams EA, Whitham D, Montgomery AA. Eicosapentaenoic acid and aspirin, alone and in combination, for the prevention of colorectal adenomas (seAFOod Polyp Prevention trial): a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2 × 2 factorial trial. The Lancet 2018, 392(10164), 2583-2594.
  • Vleugels JLA, Rutter MD, Ragunath K, Rees CJ, Ponsioen CY, Lahiff C, Ket SN, Wanders LK, Samuel S, Butt F, Kuiper T, Travis SPL, D'Haens G, Wang LM, van Eeden S, East JE, Dekker E. Diagnostic Accuracy of Endoscopic Trimodal Imaging and Chromoendoscopy for Lesion Characterization in Ulcerative Colitis. Journal of Crohn's and Colitis 2018, 12(12), 1438-1447.
  • Vleugels JLA, Rutter MD, Ragunath K, Rees CJ, Ponsioen CY, Lahiff C, Ket SN, Wanders LK, Samuel S, Butt F, Kuiper T, Travis SPL, D'Haens G, Wang LM, van Eeden S, East JE, Dekker E. Chromoendoscopy versus autofluorescence imaging for neoplasia detection in patients with longstanding ulcerative colitis (FIND-UC): an international, multicentre, randomised controlled trial. The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2018, 3(5), 305-316.
  • Ross-Innes CS, Chettouh H, Achilleos A, Galeano-Dalmau N, Debiram-Beecham I, MacRae S, Fessas P, Walker E, Varghese S, Evan T, Lao-Sirieix PS, O'Donovan M, Malhotra S, Novelli M, Disep B, Kaye PV, Lovat LB, Haidry R, Griffin M, Ragunath K, Bhandari P, Haycock A, Morris D, Attwood S, Dhar A, Rees C, Rutter MD, Ostler R, Aigret B, Sasieni PD, Fitzgerald RC. Risk stratification of Barrett's oesophagus using a non-endoscopic sampling method coupled with a biomarker panel: a cohort study. The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2017, 2(1), 23-31.
  • Kaminski MF, Thomas-Gibson S, Bugajski M, Bretthauer M, Rees CJ, Dekker E, Hoff G, Jover R, Suchanek S, Ferlitsch M, Anderson J, Roesch T, Hultcranz R, Racz I, Kuipers EJ, Garborg K, East JE, Rupinski M, Seip B, Bennett C, Senore C, Minozzi S, Bisschops R, Domagk D, Valori R, Spada C, Hassan C, Dinis-Ribeiro M, Rutter MD. Performance measures for lower gastrointestinal endoscopy: a European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Quality Improvement Initiative. Endoscopy 2017, 49(4), 378-397.
  • Plumb AA, Ghanouni A, Rees CJ, Hewitson P, Nickerson C, Wright S, Taylor SA, Halligan S, von Wagner C. Patient experience of CT colonography and colonoscopy after fecal occult blood test in a national screening programme. European Radiology 2017, 27(3), 1052-1063.
  • Kerrison RS, McGregor LM, Marshall S, Isitt J, Counsell N, Rees CJ, Von Wagner C. Improving uptake of flexible sigmoidoscopy screening: A randomized trial of nonparticipant reminders in the English Screening Programme. Endoscopy 2017, 49(1), 35-43.
  • Tsiamoulos ZP, Misra R, Rameshshanker R, Elliott TR, Beintaris I, Thomas-Gibson S, Haycock A, Suzuki N, Rees C, Saunders BP. Impact of a new distal attachment on colonoscopy performance in an academic screening center. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 2017, 87(1), 280-287.
  • McGregor LM, Skrobanski H, Miller H, Ritchie M, Berkman L, Morris S, Rees C, von Wagner C. Using Specialist Screening Practitioners (SSPs) to increase uptake of the Bowel Scope (Flexible Sigmoidoscopy) Screening Programme: A study protocol for a feasibility single-stage phase II trial. Pilot and Feasibility Studies 2016, 2(1), 54.
  • McGregor LM, Bonello B, Kerrison RS, Nickerson C, Baio G, Berkman L, Rees CJ, Atkin W, Wardle J, Von Wagner C. Uptake of bowel scope (Flexible sigmoidoscopy) screening in the english national programme: The first 14 months. Journal of Medical Screening 2016, 23(2), 77-82.
  • Rutter MD, Senore C, Bisschops R, Domagk D, Valori R, Kaminski MF, Spada C, Bretthauer M, Bennett C, Bellisario C, Minozzi S, Hassan C, Rees C, Dinis-Ribeiro M, Hucl T, Ponchon T, Aabakken L, Fockens P. The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Quality Improvement Initiative: Developing performance measures. Endoscopy 2016, 48(1), 81-89.
  • Rutter MD, Senore C, Bisschops R, Domagk D, Valori R, Kaminski MF, Spada C, Bretthauer M, Bennett C, Bellisario C, Minozzi S, Hassan C, Rees C, Dinis-Ribeiro M, Hucl T, Ponchon T, Aabakken L, Fockens P. The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Quality Improvement Initiative: developing performance measures. United European Gastroenterology Journal 2016, 4(1), 30-41.
  • Bretthauer M, Aabakken L, Dekker E, Kaminski MF, Rosch T, Hultcrantz R, Suchanek S, Jover R, Kuipers EJ, Bisschops R, Spada C, Valori R, Domagk D, Rees C, Rutter MD. Requirements and standards facilitating quality improvement for reporting systems in gastrointestinal endoscopy: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Position Statement. Endoscopy 2016, 48(3), 291-294.
  • Ghanouni A, Plumb A, Hewitson P, Nickerson C, Rees CJ, Von Wagner C. Patients' experience of colonoscopy in the English Bowel Cancer Screening Programme. Endoscopy 2016, 48(3), 232-240.
  • Rees CJ, Rajasekhar PT, Wilson A, Close H, Rutter MD, Saunders BP, East JE, Maier R, Moorghen M, Muhammad U, Hancock H, Jayaprakash A, MacDonald C, Ramadas A, Dhar A, Mason JM. Narrow band imaging optical diagnosis of small colorectal polyps in routine clinical practice: The Detect Inspect Characterise Resect and Discard 2 (DISCARD 2) study. Gut 2016, 66(5), 887-895.
  • Rajasekhar PT, Rees CJ, Nixon C, East JE, Brown S. Factors influencing change in clinical practice: A qualitative evaluation of the implementation of the quality improvement in colonoscopy study. International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance 2016, 29(1), 5-15.
  • Rees CJ, Bevan R, Zimmermann-Fraedrich K, Rutter MD, Rex D, Dekker E, Ponchon T, Bretthauer M, Regula J, Saunders B, Hassan C, Bourke MJ, Rosch T. Expert opinions and scientific evidence for colonoscopy key performance indicators. Gut 2016, 65(12), 2045-2060.
  • Rees CJ, Ngu WS, Regula J, Bisschops R, Saftoiu A, Dekker E, Gralnek I, Ciocirlan M, Dinis-Ribeiro M, Jover R, Meisner S, Spada C, Hassan C, Valori R, Hucl T, Le Moine O, Domagk D, Kaminski MF, Bretthauer M, Rutter MD, Aabakken L, Ponchon T, Fockens P, Siersema PD. European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - Establishing the key unanswered research questions within gastrointestinal endoscopy. Endoscopy 2016, 48(10), 884-891.
  • Hall N, Birt L, Rees CJ, Walter FM, Elliot S, Ritchie M, Weller D, Rubin G. Concerns, perceived need and competing priorities: a qualitative exploration of decision-making and non-participation in a population-based flexible sigmoidoscopy screening programme to prevent colorectal cancer. BMJ Open 2016, 6(11), e012304.
  • Walsh E, Rees CJ, Gill M, Parker CE, Bevan R, Perry SL, Bury Y, Mills S, Bradburn DM, Bramble M, Hull MA. Are there biological differences between screen-detected and interval colorectal cancers in the English Bowel Cancer Screening Programme?. British Journal of Cancer 2016, 115, 261-265.
  • Ball AJ, Rees CJ, Corfe BM, Riley SA. Sedation practice and comfort during colonoscopy: Lessons learnt from a national screening programme. European Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2015, 27(6), 741-746.
  • Bevan R, Rubin G, Sofianopoulou E, Patnick J, Rees CJ. Implementing a national flexible sigmoidoscopy screening program: results of the English early pilot. Endoscopy 2015, 47(3), 225-231.
  • Blanks RG, Nickerson C, Patnick J, Rees C, Rutter M. Evaluation of colonoscopy performance based on post-procedure bleeding complications: Application of procedure complexity-adjusted model. Endoscopy 2015, 47(10), 910-916.
  • Ross-Innes CS, Debiram-Beecham I, O'Donovan M, Walker E, Varghese S, Lao-Sirieix P, Lovat L, Griffin M, Ragunath K, Haidry R, Sami SS, Kaye P, Novelli M, Disep B, Ostler R, Aigret B, North BV, Bhandari P, Haycock A, Morris D, Attwood S, Dhar A, Rees C, Rutter MD, Sasieni PD, Fitzgerald RC. Evaluation of a Minimally Invasive Cell Sampling Device Coupled with Assessment of Trefoil Factor 3 Expression for Diagnosing Barrett's Esophagus: A Multi-Center Case-Control Study. PLoS medicine 2015, 12(1), e1001780.
  • Hall NJ, Rubin GP, Dobson C, Weller D, Wardle J, Ritchie M, Rees CJ. Attitudes and beliefs of non-participants in a population-based screening programme for colorectal cancer. Health Expectations 2015, 18(5), 1645-1657.
  • Gill MD, Bramble MG, Hull MA, Mills SJ, Morris E, Bradburn DM, Bury Y, Parker CE, Lee TJ, Rees CJ. Screen-detected colorectal cancers are associated with an improved outcome compared with stage-matched interval cancers. British Journal of Cancer 2014, 111, 2076-2081.
  • Rutter MD, Nickerson C, Rees CJ, Patnick J, Blanks RG. Risk factors for adverse events related to polypectomy in the english bowel cancer screening programme. Endoscopy 2014, 46(2), 90-97.
  • Geraghty J, Butler P, Seaman H, Snowball J, Sarkar S, Blanks R, Halloran S, Bodger K, Rees CJ. Optimising faecal occult blood screening: Retrospective analysis of NHS Bowel Cancer Screening data to improve the screening algorithm. British Journal of Cancer 2014, 111(11), 2156-2162.
  • Bevan R, Lee TJW, Nickerson C, Rubin G, Rees CJ. Non-neoplastic findings at colonoscopy after positive faecal occult blood testing: Data from the English Bowel Cancer Screening Programme. Journal of Medical Screening 2014, 21(2), 89-94.
  • Lee TJ, Rees CJ, Blanks RG, Moss SM, Nickerson C, Wright KC, James PW, McNally RJ, Patnick J, Rutter MD. Colonoscopic factors associated with adenoma detection in a national colorectal cancer screening program. Endoscopy 2014, 46(3), 203-211.
  • Dhar A, Close H, Hancock H, Maier R, Wilson D, Mason JM, Vishwanath YKS, Rees C, Dwarakanath D. Biodegradable stent or ballon dilatation for benign oesophageal stricture: Pilot randomised controlled trial. World Journal of Gastroenterology 2014, 20(48), 18199-18206.
  • Lee TJW, Nickerson C, Goddard AF, Rees CJ, McNally RJQ, Rutter MD. Outcome of 12-month surveillance colonoscopy in high-risk patients in the National Health Service Bowel Cancer Screening Programme. Colorectal Disease 2013, 15(8), e435-e442.
  • Lee TJ, Rees CJ, Nickerson C, Stebbing J, Abercrombie JF, McNally RJ, Rutter MD. Management of complex colonic polyps in the English Bowel Cancer Screening Programme. British Journal of Surgery 2013, 100(12), 1633-1639.
  • Lee TJW, Blanks RG, Rees CJ, Wright KC, Nickerson C, Moss SM, Chilton A, Goddard AF, Patnick J, McNally RJQ, Rutter MD. Longer mean colonoscopy withdrawal time is associated with increased adenoma detection: evidence from the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme in England. Endoscopy 2013, 45(1), 20-26.
  • Rostom A, Ross ED, Dube C, Rutter MD, Lee T, Valori R, Bridges RJ, Pontifex D, Webbink V, Rees C, Brown C, Whetter DH, Kelsey SG, Hilsden RJ. Development and validation of a nurse-assessed patient comfort score for colonoscopy. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 2013, 77(2), 255-261.
  • Gill MD, Bramble MG, Rees CJ, Lee TJW, Bradburn DM, Mills SJ. Comparison of screen-detected and interval colorectal cancers in the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme. British Journal of Cancer 2012, 107(3), 417-421.
  • Lee T, Rutter M, Blanks R, Moss, Goddard A, Chilton A, Nickerson C, McNally R, Patnick J, Rees C. Colonoscopy quality measures: experience from the NHS bowel cancer screening programme. Gut 2012, 61(7), 1050-1057.
  • Lee TJ, Hull MA, Rajasekhar PT, Clifford GM, Ritchie M, James P, McNally RJ, Rutter MD, Rees CJ. Aspirin users attending for NHS bowel screening have less colorectal neoplasia: Chemoprevention or false-positive faecal occult blood testing?. Digestion 2012, 85(4), 278-281.
  • Morris EJA, Whitehouse LE, Farrell T, Nickerson C, Thomas JD, Quirke P, Rutter MD, Rees C, Finan PJ, Wilkinson JR, Patnick J. A retrospective observational study examining the characteristics and outcomes of tumours diagnosed within and without of the English NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme. British Journal of Cancer 2012, 107(5), 757-764.

• Conference Proceedings (inc. Abstracts)

  • Rajasekhar PT, Rees CJ, Rutter MD, Saunders BP, Bramble MG, Hungin P, Wilson DW, East JE, on behalf of The QIC study group. A Multi-centre Pragmatic Study of an Educational Intervention to Improve Adenoma Detection at Colonoscopy. In: British Society of Gastroenterology Annual General Meeting. 2014, Manchester, UK: BMJ Publishing Group.
  • Gill MD, Bramble M, Hull M, Mills S, Morris E, Bradburn M, Bury Y, Parker C, Lee T, Rees C. Screen-detected colorectal cancers are associated with an improved outcome when compared with interval cancers when matched for stage. In: GUT. 2013, British Med Assoc House, Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9JR, England: BMJ Publishing Group.
  • Clifford GM, Shenfine J, Jaretzke H, Rees CJ. Could Upper GI Cancer Explain False Positive Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) Results In The Bowel Cancer Screening Programme?. In: Gut. 2013, British Med Assoc House, Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9JR, England: BMJ Publishing Group.
  • Rajasekhar PT, Rutter MD, Bramble MG, Wilson DW, East JE, Greenaway JR, Saunders BP, Lee TJ, Barton R, Hungin P, Rees CJ, No Region Endoscopy Group. Achieving high quality colonoscopy: using graphical representation to measure performance and reset standards. In: Digestive Disorders Federation Meeting. 2012, Liverpool, UK: BMJ Group.

• Editorials

  • Rees CJ, Lamb E, Lee M. Did the assisted dying debate kill evidence-based discussion?. BMJ Supportive and Palliative Care 2025, epub ahead of print.
  • Rees CJ, Ngu WS. Temporal trends and variability of colonoscopy performance in gastroenterology practice. Endoscopy 2016, 48(3), 213-214.
  • Rutter MD, Rees CJ. Quality in gastrointestinal endoscopy. Endoscopy 2014, 46(6), 526-528.

• Letters

  • Kurien K, Bird-Lieberman E, Din S, Gordon H, Lamb CA, Rees CJ. Setting a vision for British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines: Embracing innovation whilst preserving methodological excellence and clinical utility. Gut 2025, 75(3), 673-674.
  • Lamb L, Rees C, Lee M. Rapid Response: Re: MP behind assisted dying bill warns that terminally ill people and their families are being failed, ahead of Lords debate. BMJ 2025.
  • Mitra S, Stewart CJ, Nelson A, Hampton JS, Masi AC, Manning S, Sharp L, Hull MA, Rees CJ. Long-term stability of the faecal microbiome profile in faecal immunochemical test (FIT) samples. Gut 2025, 74(1), e8.
  • Fuccio L, Neilson L, Frazzoni L, Rees CJ. Response to McAlindon's letter. Gut 2024, 73(11), e27.
  • Neilson LJ, Fitzgerald RC, Deane J, Debiram-Beecham I, Sharp L, Rees CJ. Measuring patient experience of Cytosponge using the Newcastle ENDOPREM. Frontline Gastroenterology 2023, 14(4), 355-356.
  • Masi AC, Koo S, Lamb CA, Hull MA, Sharp L, Nelson A, Hampton JS, Rees CJ, Stewart CJ. Using faecal immunochemical test (FIT) undertaken in a national screening programme for large-scale gut microbiota analysis. Gut 2021, 70(2), 429-431.
  • Rees CJ, Trebble TM, Von Wagner C, Clapham Z, Hewitson P, Barr H, Everett S, Griffiths H, Nayar M, Oppong K, Riley S, Stebbing J, Thomas-Gibson S, Bevan R. British Society of Gastroenterology position statement on patient experience of GI endoscopy. Gut 2020, 69(9), 1718-1719.
  • Steele R, Forgacs I, McCreanor G, Benton S, Machesney M, Rees C, Halloran SP, Abulafi M, Alsina D. Use of faecal occult blood tests in symptomatic Patients. BMJ (Online) 2015, 351(8021), h4256.

• Notes

  • Luo L, Huang Z, Rees C, Li B, Tang C. Treating giant pandas: An unusual advanced role for the gastroenterologist. Frontline Gastroenterology 2025, 16(2), 89-91.
  • Manning S, Sinha R, Rees CJ. Need for standardised approaches to human microbiome research using the example of colorectal neoplasia research. Gut 2025, 74(6), 875-877.
  • El-Omar EM, Gill US, Rees CJ. Introducing Gut Science—a fundamental and discovery science companion journal to Gut. Gut 2025, 74(12), 1943-1944.
  • Rees CJ, Rutter MD, Sharp L, Hayee B, East JE, Bhandari P, Penman I. COVID-19 as a barrier to attending for gastrointestinal endoscopy: weighing up the risks. The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2020, 5(11), 960-962.
  • East JE, Rees CJ. Making optical biopsy a clinical reality in colonoscopy. The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2018, 3(1), 10-12.
  • Rees CJ, Koo S, Oppong KW. Future directions in therapeutic gastrointestinal endoscopy. The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2018, 3(10), 663-664.
  • Rees CJ, Koo S, Oppong KW. Future directions in diagnostic gastrointestinal endoscopy. The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2018, 3(9), 595-597.

• Reviews

  • Manning S, Hackney E, Dunneram Y, Hull MA, Mitra S, Stewart CJ, Louca P, Meader N, Sharp L, Rees C. Systematic Review: The Relationship Between the Faecal Microbiome and Colorectal Neoplasia in Shotgun Metagenomic Studies. Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2025, 62(6), 568-584.
  • Neilson LJ, Rees CJ. Patient experience as a quality marker in gastrointestinal endoscopy. Best Practice and Research: Clinical Gastroenterology 2025, 76, 102029.
  • Hampton JS, Kenny RPW, Rees CJ, Hamilton W, Eastaugh C, Richmond C, Sharp L. The performance of FIT-based and other risk prediction models for colorectal neoplasia in symptomatic patients: a systematic review. eClinicalMedicine 2023, 64, 102204.
  • Lu L, Koo S, McPherson S, Hull MA, Rees CJ, Sharp L. Systematic review and meta-analysis: Associations between metabolic syndrome and colorectal neoplasia outcomes. Colorectal Disease 2022, 24(6), 681-694.
  • Hayee B, Thoufeeq M, Rees CJ, Penman I, East J. Safely restarting GI endoscopy in the era of COVID-19. Gut 2020, 69(12), 2063-2070.
  • Rutter MD, East J, Rees CJ, Cripps N, Docherty J, Dolwani S, Kaye PV, Monahan KJ, Novelli MR, Plumb A, Saunders BP, Thomas-Gibson S, Tolan DJM, Whyte S, Bonnington S, Scope A, Wong R, Hibbert B, Marsh J, Moores B, Cross A, Sharp L. British Society of Gastroenterology/Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland/Public Health England post-polypectomy and post-colorectal cancer resection surveillance guidelines. Gut 2020, 69(2), 201-223.
  • Hull MA, Rees CJ, Sharp L, Koo S. A risk-stratified approach to colorectal cancer prevention and diagnosis. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2020, 17, 773-780.
  • Kerrison RS, von Wagner C, Green T, Gibbins M, Macleod U, Hughes M, Rees CJ, Duffy S, McGregor LM. Rapid review of factors associated with flexible sigmoidoscopy screening use. Preventive Medicine 2019, 120, 8-18.
  • Spada C, McNamara D, Despott EJ, Adler S, Cash BD, Fernandez-Urien I, Ivekovic H, Keuchel M, McAlindon M, Saurin J-C, Panter S, Bellisario C, Minozzi S, Senore C, Bennett C, Bretthauer M, Dinis-Ribeiro M, Domagk D, Hassan C, Kaminski MF, Rees CJ, Valori R, Bisschops R, Rutter MD. Performance measures for small-bowel endoscopy: A European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Quality Improvement Initiative. United European Gastroenterology Journal 2019, 7(5), 614-641.
  • Rees CJ, Koo S, Anderson J, McAlindon M, Veitch AM, Morris AJ, Bhandari P, East JE, Webster G, Oppong KW, Penman ID. British society of gastroenterology Endoscopy Quality Improvement Programme (EQIP): Overview and progress. Frontline Gastroenterology 2019, 10(2), 148-153.
  • Domagk D, Oppong KW, Aabakken L, Czako L, Gyokeres T, Manes G, Meier P, Poley J-W, Ponchon T, Tringali A, Bellisario C, Minozzi S, Senore C, Bennett C, Bretthauer M, Hassan C, Kaminski MF, Dinis-Ribeiro M, Rees CJ, Spada C, Valori R, Bisschops R, Rutter MD. Performance measures for ERCP and endoscopic ultrasound: A European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Quality Improvement Initiative. Endoscopy 2018, 50(11), 1116-1127.
  • Domagk D, Oppong KW, Aabakken L, Czako L, Gyokeres T, Manes G, Meier P, Poley J-W, Ponchon T, Tringali A, Bellisario C, Minozzi S, Senore C, Bennett C, Bretthauer M, Hassan C, Kaminski MF, Dinis-Ribeiro M, Rees CJ, Spada C, Valori R, Bisschops R, Rutter MD. Performance measures for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasound: A European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Quality Improvement Initiative. United European Gastroenterology Journal 2018, 6(10), 1448-1460.
  • Neilson LJ, Thirugnanasothy S, Rees CJ. Colonoscopy in the very elderly. British Medical Bulletin 2018, 127(1), 33-41.
  • Ngu WS, Rees C. Can technology increase adenoma detection rate?. Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology 2018, 11.
  • Koo S, Neilson LJ, Von Wagner C, Rees CJ. The NHS bowel cancer screening program: Current perspectives on strategies for improvement. Risk Management and Healthcare Policy 2017, 2017(10), 177-187.
  • Kaminski MF, Thomas-Gibson S, Bugajski M, Bretthauer M, Rees CJ, Dekker E, Hoff G, Jover R, Suchanek S, Ferlitsch M, Anderson J, Roesch T, Hultcranz R, Racz I, Kuipers EJ, Garborg K, East JE, Rupinski M, Seip B, Bennett C, Senore C, Minozzi S, Bisschops R, Domagk D, Valori R, Spada C, Hassan C, Dinis-Ribeiro M, Rutter MD. Performance measures for lower gastrointestinal endoscopy: a European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) quality improvement initiative. United European Gastroenterology Journal 2017, 5(3), 309-334.
  • Ijspeert JEG, Bevan R, Senore C, Kaminski MF, Kuipers EJ, Mroz A, Bessa X, Cassoni P, Hassan C, Repici A, Balaguer F, Rees CJ, Dekker E. Detection rate of serrated polyps and serrated polyposis syndrome in colorectal cancer screening cohorts: A European overview. Gut 2017, 66(7), 1225-1232.
  • East JE, Atkin WS, Bateman AC, Clark SK, Dolwani S, Ket SN, Leedham SJ, Phull PS, Rutter MD, Shepherd NA, Tomlinson I, Rees CJ. British Society of Gastroenterology position statement on serrated polyps in the colon and rectum. Gut 2017, 66(7), 1181-1196.
  • Tierney M, Bevan R, Rees CJ, Trebble TM. What do patients want from their endoscopy experience? The importance of measuring and understanding patient attitudes to their care. Frontline Gastroenterology 2016, 7(3), 191-198.
  • Rees CJ, Thomas Gibson S, Rutter MD, Baragwanath P, Pullan R, Feeney M, Haslam N. UK key performance indicators and quality assurance standards for colonoscopy. Gut 2016, 65(12), 1923-1929.
  • Bretthauer M, Aabakken L, Dekker E, Kaminski MF, Rosch T, Hultcrantz R, Suchanek S, Jover R, Kuipers EJ, Bisschops R, Spada C, Valori R, Domagk D, Rees C, Rutter MD. Reporting systems in gastrointestinal endoscopy: Requirements and standards facilitating quality improvement: European society of gastrointestinal endoscopy position statement. United European Gastroenterology Journal 2016, 4(2), 172-176.
  • Neilson LJ, Bevan R, Panter S, Thomas-Gibson S, Rees CJ. Terminal ileal intubation and biopsy in routine colonoscopy practice. Expert Review of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2015, 9(5), 567-574.
  • Brown S, Bevan R, Rubin G, Nixon C, Dunn S, Panter S, Rees CJ. Patient-derived measures of GI endoscopy: A meta-narrative review of the literature. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 2015, 81(5), 1130-1140.e9.
  • Rees CJ, Rajasekhar PT, Rutter MD, Dekker E. Quality in colonoscopy: European perspectives and practice. Expert Review of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2014, 8(1), 29-47.
  • Rajasekhar P, Rees C, Rutter M, Hungin P. Developing a clinical research network: The Northern Region Endoscopy Group experience. Clinical Medicine 2014, 14(2), 107-112.