Men’s Experiences Of Living With And Beyond A Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
No Man’s Land? Men’s Experiences of Living with a Breast Cancer Diagnosis: A Qualitative Exploration of Patient-Survivor Accounts.
IRAS ID
161339
Contact name
Kerry J Quincey
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
De Montfort University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
1358, HLS FREC Ref.
Research summary
Breast cancer in men is a rare,under-researched cancer form that is frequently overlooked within both lay and expert health and care systems (Iredale et al., 2006). Our study aims to further knowledge regarding this marginalised malignancy by giving voice to members of this under-represented, minority group. The research questions: How do male patients/survivors describe breast cancer and their illness experience?
The study will have particular relevance to men living with and beyond a breast cancer diagnosis, their significant others and health professionals overseeing breast cancer practices and management. The outcomes are anticipated to have ‘real world’ impact through informing the development of interventions for men with breast cancer and their caregivers.
English-speaking males of adult age, who have received their breast cancer diagnosis within the last ten years, are invited to take part. Participants will be sourced from NHS hospitals; initially, breast care units based in the Midlands. The study has the support of Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon Dr Sheila Shokuhi and colleagues at Glenfield Hospital, Leicester. Dr Shokuhi has agreed for Glenfield Breast Unit to assist us with recruitment, and also to liaise with colleagues at other Midlands-based centres on our behalf to increase recruitment opportunities. Due to small patient numbers, the projected timeline for this study is 2-years. The study is fully-funded by De Montfort University who are governing the PhD research to which this relates.
The proposed methodology combines semi-structured interviews with Photovoice; a data collection method whereby participants document their experiences photographically, with the resultant images used to enrich interview discussions. The Photovoice element will be optional; individuals can choose to participate in only the semi-structured interview if preferred. To the best of our knowledge, this is a novel approach to studying breast cancer in men.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/EM/1165
Date of REC Opinion
6 Nov 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion