Cheer Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Changes in Economic, Employment and Return to work status in Head and Neck Cancer patients undergoing diagnosis and treatment – a pilot study.
IRAS ID
103887
Contact name
Charles Gerald Kelly
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Joint Research Office
Research summary
A cancer diagnosis and the subsequent treatment is arguably one of the most stressful and harrowing experiences an individual and those around them are likely to encounter. The physical and emotional toll paid as a result of a cancer diagnosis has been widely explored and documented, however one area which has not been explored with the same vigour is the financial implications of such a diagnosis and the treatment which follows. There is very little known about what impact such a diagnosis has on the patient's economic and financial status and what impact such treatment has on the economic standing of the patient's families and carers. In work already performed we have discovered that there appears to be a detrimental effect on head and neck cancer patient’s well-being if patients only have enough financial reserve to pay 1 months rent or mortgage compared to several.
The aim of this study is to assess the changes in head and neck cancer patients economic, employment and financial status during and following the diagnosis and treatment of their tumour and to measure the impact these changes have on the patient's quality of life and psychological status. All patients receiving treatment for head and neck cancer will be eligible to join the study. It will be opened at the Freeman Hospital. The study is questionnaire based with no medical intervention. The questionnaires will cover a range of issues such as financial status before, during and after treatment as well investigating whether patients have had to take time off work, discontinue or change employment and if they have been able to return to work in what capacity.REC name
London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/1440
Date of REC Opinion
28 Aug 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion