Is the 1939 Cancer Act Fit for Purpose in the Modern Technology Era?
This research project is exploring how well an old UK law, the 1939 Cancer Act, works in our modern world of the internet and social media. This law prevents anyone except the NHS from advertising cancer treatments to the public. The study wants to understand the views of cancer patients, healthcare professionals, and people in the health industry on how technology has changed the way cancer information is shared online. They are particularly interested in whether this old law might accidentally create problems for patients. By gathering opinions through anonymous surveys, the study hopes to find ways to update the law safely and ethically, ensuring patients get good information when looking for support online.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is looking into a very old law from 1939 in the UK called the Cancer Act. This law was put in place to protect people by stopping anyone, apart from the NHS, from advertising cancer treatments directly to the public. The problem is, this law was made long before the internet, social media, and all the ways we get information today.
Researchers want to understand how this old law works in our modern world. They are concerned that while it's important to protect people, the rise of online information might mean the law has unintended consequences for patients. For example, it might make it harder for trusted organisations to share helpful information or for patients to find support.
The study aims to gather opinions from cancer patients, healthcare professionals (like doctors and nurses who work with cancer patients), and people who work in the health industry. They want to hear about personal experiences with finding cancer information online and what people think about the current law. The goal is to find ways to update the law to keep pace with technology, ensuring patients can access safe and reliable information about cancer care online.
Key takeaways
- The study explores how an old cancer law fits with modern internet use.
- It aims to understand experiences with online cancer information.
- Patients, relatives, and healthcare professionals can share their views.
- Participation involves completing one anonymous online survey.
- The goal is to inform safe and ethical updates to the law.
- Your input could help improve how cancer information is shared online.
Who may be eligible?
You might be able to take part in this study if you are a patient, a relative of a patient, or a healthcare professional.
If you're a patient or a relative, you need to live in England or Wales and have received cancer treatment within the last three years. You also need to be 18 or older. You can complete the survey yourself, or a friend or family member can help you if you give them permission.
If you're a healthcare professional, you need to work in the UK, regularly help patients with cancer (at least once a month), and be 18 or older.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 or over?
- Do you live in England or Wales (if a patient/relative)?
- Have you or a relative received cancer treatment in the last three years?
- Are you a UK healthcare professional working with cancer patients at least once a month?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you will be asked to complete a single, anonymous survey. This survey will ask about your experiences with finding cancer information online and through social media, and your thoughts on the current law about advertising cancer treatments. There are no hospital visits, medical tests, or specific medications involved. You will complete the survey once, and that will be the end of your participation in the study. The study does not require any follow-up after the survey is completed.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Royal Cornwall Hospitals TrustVerified postcodeTruro, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is the 1939 Cancer Act?
It's an old UK law that stops anyone but the NHS from advertising cancer treatments to the public.
Why is this law being looked at now?
The internet and social media weren't around in 1939, so researchers want to see if the law still works well today.
What will I have to do if I take part?
You'll complete one anonymous online survey asking about your views on online cancer information and the law.
Will my answers be private?
Yes, your survey responses will be anonymous, meaning your identity won't be connected to your answers.
Who is running this study?
The study title refers to the 1939 Cancer Act, so it's a UK-focused research, likely from a university or research institution interested in health policy and patient experiences.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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