ALL-Health
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Cardiovascular late-effects after treatment for childhood cancer: the risk perceptions and health beliefs of survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
IRAS ID
306055
Contact name
Linda Sharp
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 30 days
Research summary
Survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) are at high risk of cardiovascular late-effects as a result of cardiotoxic cancer treatments. However, there is emerging evidence that many lack knowledge and understanding of possible late-effects of their cancer treatments. In addition, despite it being clear that a heart-healthy lifestyle can reduce survivors’ risk of cardiovascular disease, many continue to demonstrate concerning health behaviours (e.g. low physical activity, smoking, unhealthy diets) which are key risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease.
There is limited research exploring how ALL survivors perceive and interpret their risk of cardiovascular disease and how this may impact on their health behaviours. Survivors’ awareness, understanding and beliefs surrounding future health risks such as cardiovascular late-effects may influence whether they engage with, or feel able or motivated to engage with, health protective behaviours. Knowledge is also lacking on survivors’ preferences for advice and support about health behaviours and late-effects.
This project aims to use qualitative methods to develop an understanding of how ALL survivors treated with cardiotoxic therapies perceive their risk of cardiovascular late-effects and how this relates to their views on key health behaviours. It will also investigate survivors’ experiences of, and preferences for, support and advice in these areas.
This knowledge will serve as a foundation for the systematic development of evidence- and theory-based health behaviour change interventions for this high-risk group of survivors. The study results will, therefore, strengthen future applications to national funding bodies aiming to develop and test these interventions.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/YH/0102
Date of REC Opinion
12 May 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion