Earlier breast cancer diagnosis in Central Scotland

Project title: Fast-track access to support earlier breast cancer diagnosis

What’s the project about?

Researchers are looking at ways to improve the breast cancer pathway in NHS Forth Valley. They want to ensure that people with symptoms of breast cancer are seen quickly and effectively so that people have a better experience of accessing breast cancer diagnoses and care. 

A project team, involving healthcare professionals and researchers are working together on this project. They’d like to invite people affected by breast cancer to also join the project team so that they can hear what’s important to them.

Who can take part?

You can take part if you live in Central Scotland. And, if you’ve had a personal diagnosis of breast cancer or know someone who’s had, or has, breast cancer.

Why do you want me to be involved?

By sharing your experience, you’ll be making sure that any improvements made to cancer services in the Forth Valley are informed by the needs of people with breast cancer.

Researchers also hope that improvements will relieve the pressure on GP practices and be extended to other NHS cancer services.

What will you ask me to do?

Up to 4 people will be selected to join the project team.

You’ll join 5 in-person project meetings at the University of Stirling over 18 months. Each meeting will last about 1 and a half hours.

At the meetings, you’ll get to share your experience, as well as what you think worked well or not when waiting for your diagnosis. The researchers will use this to help them design improvements to the patient pathway. They’ll also use your insight to decide how to evaluate any changes they make.

You’ll get to give feedback on the findings of the project as it progresses. You’ll also help to decide how these are shared with members of the public.

You’ll be reimbursed for any expenses, and you’ll also be given a £20 Love2Shop voucher for every meeting to attend.