Support following surgery for oesophageal cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
What are the support needs of people who have had surgery for oesophageal cancer but who have chosen not to attend a support group.
IRAS ID
152292
Contact name
Lee B Tomlinson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Brighton
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 2 days
Research summary
Oesophageal cancer is a cancerous lump which if left untreated can make it almost impossible to swallow food. An operation to remove the lump can alleviate the problem but people continue to have problems such as diarrhoea, hiccupping, taste changes and weight loss. Some people visit a support group where they can chat to others, talking about avoiding certain foods, ways to increase their weight or sharing their experiences. Although the comfort and help people get from a support group is well known, not every patient wants to use support groups. As few as 2-8% of patients invited, choose to attend.
Research looking at non attenders to cancer support groups has minimal or no representation from patients with oesophageal cancer. The disease, treatment expectations and outcomes are very different to those included in published studies. This study hopes to learn more about the influences in the lives of these patients and how these have lead to support through their disease, treatment and beyond.
Up to 4 patients, who have had surgery for oesophageal cancer but have not attended a support group, will be invited to participate in an in-depth interview. Individuals will be asked to discuss their own personal experience of the disease pathway. The focus will be on their social life and hobbies and how these may have changed or affected their choices in support. Finally they will be asked if they have had support needs and if these have been met. If they haven't been met what could be done to help address these.
It is anticipated that hearing from this previously unheard group will assist clinical professionals and carers of people who have had surgery for oesophageal cancer to appreciate the needs of these individuals.REC name
London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0199
Date of REC Opinion
17 Feb 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion