Dr Essapen was appointed as Consultant Clinical Oncologist at St Luke’s Cancer Centre (SLCC), Royal Surrey County NHS Foundation Trust, in February 2003 and specialises in the treatment of gastrointestinal and gynaecological cancers, using both radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

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 Hospital. Prior to her Consultant appointment, she undertook a two-year MD research programme in colon cancer at the University of Surrey.

Dr Essapen is based at The Royal Surrey County NHS Foundation Trust, but also works at Ashford and St Peter’s NHS Trust and Frimley Park NHS Foundation Trust. She has previously held a number of management roles aimed at improving patient care at SLCC – Lead Clinician for Radiotherapy, Chairperson of the weekly Gynae-oncology multi-disciplinary meeting, and Chemotherapy Lead. She has recently taken on the role of Deputy Chief of Service for Oncology at SLCC.

Dr Essapen is trained in the delivery of Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) for anal, rectal and endometrial 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 and gynaecological cancer trials. She is also involved in collaborative laboratory-based research and provides regular clinical supervision to PhD researchers, and has published widely in her area of expertise.

Dr Essapen acts as a former Trustee for two SLCC-based charities – BRIGHT and GRACE (Gynae-oncology Research and Clinical Excellence). She is fully committed to supporting research and improving outcomes for her patients.