Partner role when adolescents and young adults have cancer (V1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An examination of the role of partners in helping to meet the support needs of adolescents and young adults with cancer.
IRAS ID
235894
Contact name
Jane Patricia Davies
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cardiff University
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Cancer in adolescents and young adults (AYA) is uncommon. However when AYA are diagnosed with this disease, it comes at a time when they are growing in independence and embarking on their early adult lives. They might for example be moving away from home, beginning their first serious relationship, commencing further or higher education or starting work. This is generally thought of as a positive, exciting time, however when cancer develops and treatment is undertaken, AYA have a number of challenges to face which can interrupt their lives and plans significantly.
When AYA have cancer, a range of people help them to cope with these challenges. This may include their families, friends, health and social care professionals and their boyfriends or girlfriends. It has been found in previous research that the partners of AYA often give a lot of support at this time. There is very limited evidence of information and ways in which the partners of AYA can help effectively. This research will develop guidance in the form of a toolkit for the partners of AYA with cancer. This toolkit will be developed following interviews with boyfriends and girlfriends about their experience of being in a relationship with someone who has cancer.They will also be asked to keep diaries so that information from these can also be used to develop this resource. It is envisaged that once complete, this toolkit will be available to partners to help them at this difficult and challenging time.REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
18/WS/0025
Date of REC Opinion
16 Feb 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion