Alcohol-related problems in people with cancer and their caregivers
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An observational study investigating the prevalence and impact of alcohol-related problems in people with cancer and their non-professional caregivers
IRAS ID
198753
Contact name
Katherine Webber
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Surrey County Hospital
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
People with advanced cancer have lots of difficult issues to deal with. Living with cancer, having burdensome treatments and facing the end of life have a significant emotional impact. Alcohol can be used to cope with stress however it is unclear how common alcohol problems are in people with cancer. It is also not known whether alcohol problems are related to other stressors such as pain, physical disability or depression. If we have more information then we can look at ways to support people with these issues.
Caring for a loved one with cancer can be a difficult, stressful and lonely time. Non-professional caregivers of people with long term illnesses often drink alcohol to cope with the stress of caring. There is not much information about alcohol problems in the caregivers of people with cancer. Carers are generally under-represented and overlooked in studies as well as society. If we can find out if alcohol consumption is a problem in this group then we can offer help and support. It is important to look at people with the illness and their caregiver together so we can help them both.
For this study we would look at how common alcohol problems are in people with advanced cancer and their caregivers. We would also look at whether alcohol problems are related to other issues such as drug abuse, psychological problems or carer burden.
This is a unique study and would enable us to develop strategies to target and improve quality of life in these groups. People with cancer and caregivers are often overlooked in terms of assessing and targeting strategies to help with alcohol problems.REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/0631
Date of REC Opinion
5 Apr 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion