Carer experience of supporting an individual with HNC
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the unmet needs of adult carers supporting a family member or friend with Head and Neck Cancer (HNC), who are 75 years and above.
IRAS ID
336021
Contact name
Gemma Cherry
Contact email
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
n/a, n/a
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 30 days
Research summary
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the 8th most common cancer in the United Kingdom (UK); around 12,400 patients being diagnosed every year, with incidence rates increasing by a sixth (16%) in the UK over the last decade. More than 22% of all new HNC diagnoses are in individuals who are 75 years old and above, but limited information exists on carers who support these age groups. Patients aged over 75 experience diverse and often unique challenges; this patient group have been historically excluded from clinical trials and are more likely to live with comorbid health conditions that may pose barriers to treatment, management and recovery that would otherwise not be present in those who are diagnosed younger. However, little is known about the needs and experiences of those who support them. This study aims to explore the unmet needs of carers who are 18 years and above and support a family member or a friend who is 75 years and above, with a current diagnosis of HNC.
Carers, who are 18 years and above and supporting a family member or friend who is 75 and above, with a current diagnosis of HNC, and living in the United Kingdom will be eligible for the study. Participants will be recruited from hospitals and online, with possible recruitment sources including, but not limited to, Aintree Hospital, Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and the Swallows HNC Charity.
A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews will be utilized to understand participant experiences. Participants will be interviewed via telephone, Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Interviews will last approximately 45-60 minutes. Data will be analysed using thematic analysis.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/NW/0012
Date of REC Opinion
7 Feb 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion