Psychological experiences of people with comorbid cancer and dementia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the psychological experiences of people living with comorbid dementia and cancer and their caregivers
IRAS ID
319538
Contact name
Alys Griffiths
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 30 days
Research summary
Around 1 in 13 people aged 75 and over in the UK are living with both dementia and cancer. People with both conditions are less likely to receive timely cancer screening, curative treatment and adequate pain management, and experience later diagnosis and lower survival rates than people with cancer alone. However, to date there has not been any research exploring individuals’ psychological or emotional experiences of comorbid cancer and dementia (CCD). Much of the existing research in this area explores dementia or cancer in isolation, meaning that we do not know the psychological impact of living with both conditions. This study aims to explore how people with CCD and their caregivers process and adapt to receiving and living with these diagnoses. It is hoped that increasing understanding of the potential psychological impact of CCD will lead to future research in this area and improve how services work with people affected by CCD.
Through interviews with people diagnosed with CCD and their family or caregivers, this study will develop narratives of people’s stories surrounding CCD diagnoses. This will include if/how individuals and their family process and adapt to receiving both diagnoses of CCD. These stories will be used to shape practice through identification of psychological support needs people affected by CCD may have and suggesting strategies for addressing these. Participants will predominantly be recruited through cancer and dementia support networks, NHS services, charities and social media channels. Participants will include people who have received a dementia diagnosis before a cancer diagnosis (or their friend/family member have), are willing to discuss their (or their friend/family member’s) diagnosis experiences and can speak and understand English. Findings will be disseminated in peer reviewed publications, relevant professional conferences and through existing dementia and cancer networks.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/NW/0063
Date of REC Opinion
21 Apr 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion