Researchers examine experiences of radiotherapy patients

Posted 7th July 2021

Researchers from The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre have joined with partners at Lancaster University to understand patients’ experiences of radiotherapy treatment for people with gynaecological cancer.

They are now compiling the results of a wide-ranging survey that asked patients who have had radiotherapy for a gynaecological cancer their treatment affected their social, personal and sexual lives.

The studies – the Gynae Cancer Narratives Project and the Gynae Cancer Narratives On-line – are both funded by the North West Cancer Research and are due to conclude in March next year.

Mette Kragh Furbo, Senior Research Associate at Lancaster University, said: “We have been asking people who have been diagnosed with gynae cancer to keep a journal of their experiences of treatment, side effects and support, and the impact of treatment on personal, social and sexual lives. The aim of both studies is to increase understanding of how radiotherapy impacts patients.

“At the end of the studies, the narratives will form part of a collection that will be made available to other patients, relatives, practitioners and local policy makers through a website and published in a book.

“We hope the insights gained from the studies will improve future patient experiences of living with the social and personal impacts of radiotherapy.”

Team members are Dr Lisa Ashmore, Professor Vicky Singleton, Dr Mette Kragh-Furbo, Dr Hilary Stewart, Dr Lynda Appleton, Danny Hutton and Lorraine Salisbury.

For more information, see the study website – http://wp.lancs.ac.uk/gynae-cancer-narratives/ – or Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gynae.narratives/?form=MY01SV&OCID=MY01SV

For more information, please email the team at gynaecancer@lancaster.ac.uk

Pictured, from left, Danny Hutton, Lisa Ashmore, Vicky Singleton, Mette Kragh-Furbo, Lorraine Salisbury and Lynda Appleton. This photo was taken pre-pandemic