Cancer patients join research programme

NORTH Wales cancer patients have been given a unique opportunity to aid research into quality of life after treatment.

Consultants at the North Wales Cancer Treatment Centre at Glan Clwyd Hospital have contributed as principal investigators to the ‘Cancer: Life Affirming Survivorship support in Primary care’ (CLASP) study, which offers current and former patients help to be more active, reduce stress and manage weight and diet after treatment.

Through the online questionnaire 'Renewed', people who had finished their main prostate, breast or bowel cancer treatment in the last 10 years - or are currently receiving active surveillance for prostate cancer- trialled online intervention as means to offer lifestyle and wellbeing support for survivors.

Consultant clinical oncologist at the North Wales Cancer Treatment Centre in Glan Clwyd Hospital, Dr Nikhil Oomen said: “As principal investigator we were really pleased to be taking part in the CLASP study in the North Wales Cancer Treatment Centre."

“We recognise the importance of managing short and long lasting side effects of cancer treatment of our patients and the impact that it has on quality of life following treatment.”

Everyone who took part in the study - which finished at the end of October- was asked to complete an online questionnaire after six months and a year.

The questionnaire assessed participants feelings about whether the programme has helped them to improve their quality of life.

The programme was developed using feedback from healthcare professionals and people who have had cancer.

Lynne Grundy, Associate Director of Research and Innovation said: “We are pleased to be supporting CLASP as best recruiters in Wales for people following cancer treatment.

“We are committed to being able to offer our local population the opportunity to take part in research with committed dedicated research teams involving primary care and clinicians working together.”