Exploring the experiences of young people with malignant melanoma.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the experiences of young people living with malignant melanoma within a relational context: an interpretive phenomenological analysis.
IRAS ID
6400
Contact name
Wendy McInally
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Edinburgh Napier University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Worldwide, malignant melanoma is a cancer that has steadily increased over the past 50 years and is predominately seen in fair-skinned populations. However in the United Kingdom and Scotland this type of cancer is rapidly increasing within young people aged between 15 and 24 years of age and is now the 5th most common cancer in this age group (Cancer Research UK 2016). In Scotland alone there are approximately 180 young people between the ages 15 and 24 years diagnosed with cancer per year, and on average 24 of these individuals will be diagnosed with malignant melanoma (ISD 2016). Although malignant melanoma (skin cancer) is much-less common than non- malignant melanoma the prognosis for patients can be poor if the initial diagnosis is delayed. Current research has proven that this type of cancer is predominantly due to lack of knowledge and understanding of skin care, prolonged and extensive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or other artificial tanning devices (Cancer Research UK 2016).The treatment for malignant melanoma varies depending on the stage of the disease and diagnosis.
From existing literature it is evident that there is no empirical research around young people’s experiences of living with malignant melanoma and the impact this type of cancer has on themselves and their family members. This research aims to explore young people’s experiences of living with malignant melanoma across Scotland and will include the family who are significant others in the cancer journey and important to the overall experience.
It is necessary to gain an understanding of the experiences of this patient group both from their own perspectives and from their family. The findings will support national policy and practice for this patient group and their families moving forward.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 02
REC reference
16/SS/0164
Date of REC Opinion
21 Oct 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion