Our research

Beyond cancer
We have an active programme of research which aims to explore how people live well with and beyond cancer.

Penny Brohn Cancer Care research is lead by Dr. Helen Seers, our Information & Research Manager.

Current research
Evaluation of our Living well with the Impact of Cancer Courses – improving the service provision and giving an insight into the experiences of people on our courses.

Dr Helen Seers is working collaboratively with Dr Marie Polley, Senior Lecturer in Health Science and Research at University of Westminster on this project.

The Living well with the Impact of Cancer Course offers information and support for people with cancer, to assist them in living well with and beyond their diagnosis. We want to determine if the service being provided is as helpful to participants as possible. Using a questionnaire called Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing (MYCaW) we are analysing the concerns people have at the beginning of the course, how the course addresses these concerns and are tracking this for a year after coming on a course.

We are taking measurements of psychological, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing using Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Spiritual Extended version (FACIT Sp Ex ). We are also investigating peoples’ diet, exercise and stress management.

The evaluation looks at all people on Living Well courses between August 2011 and January 2012, following-up clients for 12 months after attending their course. We are gathering data before and after a course, and then following up with questionnaires 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after attending.

Comments from 'Living Well' participants...

What is important about the Living well course?

“All the advice given on eating and exercise have been invaluable.”

“I really enjoyed thinking more about goals and planning positive changes. The talk from the doctor was so informative and helpful, wish I had been exposed to it when diagnosed.”

“Learning about a lot of small changes which may add up to a healthier life. Also, having a laugh with the other participants & having lovely surroundings to relax in.”