A study comparing differences in experiences that will help researchers understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how services might be improved for the future.
What’s the study about?
Researchers want to compare the experiences of people who were first diagnosed with breast cancer before the pandemic with those who were diagnosed during or after the pandemic. This will help them understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer services and people with breast cancer.
They’re using an online survey to understand the experiences of people with breast cancer. They’d also like to learn more about how to improve services for people with breast cancer through a one-time phone call or online interview.
Who can take part?
You can take part if you've ever been diagnosed with breast cancer. This can be primary, secondary or a recurrence. You can also take part if you’re living beyond breast cancer.
Why do you want me to be involved?
By gathering your thoughts and learning from your experiences, the researchers will build a clear picture of how people with breast cancer have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Your insights will help them to identify where the key pressure points are in the patient journey, and what can be done to limit the impact on patients in the future amid service disruption and staffing challenges.
What will you ask me to do?
You'll be asked to fill out an online, anonymous survey about your experiences of cancer services during the pandemic. You'll also be able to share your thoughts on how breast cancer services should be delivered during disruptions, such as COVID-19. The survey should take around 20-30 minutes to complete.
The researchers also want to conduct in-depth interviews to gain greater understanding of people's experiences. You'll be able to indicate in the survey whether you'd like to do an interview at a later date.
We're keen to share this study as widely as possible. If you have access to a printer, please consider printing out this poster and putting up in a non-NHS setting, such as a supermarket, gym or community centre.
Become a Breast Cancer Voice
Would you like to hear about more opportunities like this one, as well as lots of other exciting ways to make your voice heard? Breast Cancer Voices are people whose lives have been changed by breast cancer. They use their diverse experiences to shape our work.