Lived experiences of older men impacted by colorectal cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Lived experiences of older men impacted by colorectal cancer
IRAS ID
366306
Contact name
Amen Seo
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Holloway, University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 10 months, 30 days
Research summary
The median age for diagnosis of colorectal (bowel) cancer is 66 years, and more people are living for longer. While medical treatments focus on survival and physical recovery, less is known about how older men experience life after treatment, especially in relation to changes to their bodies, sexual wellbeing, and close relationships. These issues can be difficult to talk about and are often overlooked in routine care.
This study aims to understand how men aged 65 years or older based in the UK make sense of living with or beyond colorectal cancer at least one year after completing treatment, or two years after diagnosis. It explores how men describe and interpret their experiences of bodily changes, sexual wellbeing, and intimacy, and how these experiences are shaped by personal and social identities such as age, gender, and sexuality.
The study will use in-depth interviews to collect first-person accounts. Participants will be invited to take part in a one-to-one interview, lasting up to 90 minutes, which may be conducted in person or online.
Participants will be recruited in two ways. Some will be identified through NHS cancer services, where clinical staff will provide information about the study to eligible patients and pass on contact details to the researcher if individuals express an interest in taking part. Participants will also be recruited through a UK cancer charity that supports people who identify with sexual or gender minorities and who are affected by cancer, to include a range of perspectives.
This research will provide insight into aspects of life after colorectal cancer that are not well understood and guide future research and clinical practice. The findings may help healthcare professionals provide more age- and gender-sensitive support for men living with and beyond colorectal cancer.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/NW/0145
Date of REC Opinion
10 Jul 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion