Young lives interrupted by malignant melanoma

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Young lives interrupted with malignant melanoma: exploring the experiences within a relational context

• IRAS ID

  320053

• Contact name

  Susanne Cruickshank

• Contact email

  susanne.cruickshank@rmh.nhs.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust

• Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

  HREC4517, Open University reference

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 3 months, 0 days

• Research summary

  This study wishes to hear from young people who were diagnosed with skin cancer between 16 to 24 years of age. We want to understand their experiences and that of their support during and after treatment.

  Skin cancer also known as malignant melanoma, is the third most common cancer in this age group within the United Kingdom and continues to increase each year. Early diagnosis is vital to prevent spread of the disease and improve survival outcomes. The main treatment is surgery and depending on stage of the disease chemical treatment is used. Young people are a unique group in society, perched on the cusp of no longer being a child but not yet fully an adult with all the independence and responsibilities this brings.

  It is important to hear their voices so care and support is improved. Skin cancer treatments can cause physical scarring, and impact on psychological and social recovery of the young person and that of their family. Evidence suggests that the family continue to play a significant supportive role in young people with cancer. There is limited research that explores the experiences of living with and beyond skin cancer in this age group and that of their family.

  This study aims to recruit up to 15 young people from three hospital sites in England and will be interviewed for up to 90 minutes. With permission, interviews will be recorded to allow for accurate analysis. Each young person will nominate a "significant other" and they will all be invited to take part in a focus group. Significant other could be a family member, friend, partner.
  The findings will inform current service provision and the development of interventions, such as educational materials specifically focused on young people with skin cancer and their families

• REC name

  South East Scotland REC 01

• REC reference

  23/SS/0048

• Date of REC Opinion

  22 May 2023

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion