PROMOTE-HN Version 1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Promoting Physical Activity For Patients Living With or Beyond Head and Neck Cancer: A Mixed Methods Approach Addressing Health Inequalities and Factors Impacting Behaviour Change.
IRAS ID
293302
Contact name
Hannah Doughty
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
In the United Kingdom, there are over 2 million people living with and beyond cancer, and this number is expected to rise to 5.3 million by 2040. Positively, more people are surviving following their diagnosis, however people living with and beyond cancer remain at a higher risk of their cancer returning and are also at an increased risk of developing other health conditions. Physical activity has been shown to reduce the chance of cancer returning and improve quality of life. Despite these benefits, 1.6 million of the 2 million people living with and beyond cancer do not achieve recommended levels of physical activity. Macmillan have developed a booklet on ways to be physically active, and exercise schemes are in place for patients to be referred to. However, key questions remain on how best to use these services. Head and neck cancer and its treatment can severely impact patients’ abilities to breathe, swallow, and speak. As patients encounter unique challenges with head and neck cancer, it is argued that they should be considered separately from other cancer types when being physically active. To tackle the issue of improving physical activity for these patients, we must understand why patients are not active and the reasons for this. This research will be split into 4 different work packages. Work package 1 will involve a review of the literature surrounding this topic area. Work package 2 will involve a web-based survey of health care professionals’ knowledge, use and confidence in physical activity promotion for head and neck cancer patients. Work package 3 will involve interviews/focus groups with patients’, caregivers’ and health care professionals’ to explore views and experiences around physical activity. Work package 4 will involve the production of guidelines to support head and neck cancer patients to be physically active.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/NW/0108
Date of REC Opinion
18 May 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion