Aim
The overall aims of the study are as follows:
- To use nationally representative data to examine the health and well-being of people living with and beyond cancer in Scotland compared to i) the general population and ii) people diagnosed with other long-term conditions e.g. heart disease, with adjustment for important confounding factors.
- To develop an understanding of the health and well-being of cancer survivors in the light of contemporary trends in Scotland (e.g. an ageing population, increased solo living, notable proportions in lower socio-economic groups and remote/rural areas).
- To identify factors contributing to good health amongst those who have had a cancer diagnosis.
How will the study be carried out?
We will use the Scottish Health Survey (SHS) which has been linked to the Scottish Morbidity Records. The SHS is a nationally representative survey that has been repeated on four separate occasions thus far and is already commissioned for future rounds in coming waves.
Why is this research important?
There is little evidence about people's experiences of living with and beyond cancer in Scotland. Thus, this study will contribute towards increasing the evidence-base. Cancer survivorship is a key UK policy agenda. In 2008, Macmillan Cancer Support and the Department of Health in partnership launched the National Cancer Survivorship Initiative (NCSI). Following the Cancer Reform Strategy's (Department of Health, 2007) commitment to improve patients' experience of living with and beyond cancer, the initiative has been established to consider a range of approaches to survivorship care and how these can be best tailored to meet individual patients' needs. In Scotland, under the direction of the Scottish Cancer Taskforce, a working group on survivorship is being established to maintain the national focus on this issue and identify requirements for further research (Scottish Government, 2008).
Who are we working with?
Dr Gill Hubbard, Senior Research Fellow at the CCRC is the Principal Investigator for this project. Dr Josie Evans from the University of Stirling, Dr Chris Dibben and Dr Iain Atherton, both from the University of St Andrews will also be working on the study.
When will this review take place?
This study will run from October 2009 to May 2010
Funding Organisation
Macmillan Cancer Support