Teenagers and Yound Adults' views about participating in cancer trials
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Barriers and facilitators to participation in cancer trials amongst teenagers and young adults: qualitative study
IRAS ID
221470
Contact name
Angela Edgar
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Lothian
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 9 months, 0 days
Research summary
The Scottish Government recommends all teenagers and young adults (TYA) with cancer participate in clinical trials because of reported benefits, including access to new treatments, and specialist teams. Despite a recruitment target of 30%, only around 10% of TYA participate in cancer, compared to 60-70% of children, which may help explain the slower decline in cancer deaths amongst TYA. Reasons for this low attendance are poorly understood, although it is likely the TYA’s own attitudes and beliefs are salient. Furthermore, TYA often defer to caregivers for decision-making around treatment options. Clinicians may also hamper recruitment through poor awareness of relevant trials and communication skills. This study, funded by the Chief Scientist Office, will use qualitative interviews with TYA with cancer, their caregivers and health professionals to understand the reasons for reduced participation in cancer trials. This will inform development of interventions for future research, to increase participation of TYA in cancer trials.
REC name
South East Scotland REC 01
REC reference
17/SS/0077
Date of REC Opinion
30 Jun 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion