Transforming supportive care for people living with lung cancer when you have never smoked
This study focuses on people living with lung cancer who have never smoked. Even though breakthroughs in treatment have improved, there's not much research about the day-to-day experiences and feelings of these patients and their loved ones. This study aims to fill that gap. Researchers will talk privately with patients and their nominated carers, and hold group discussions with healthcare staff. The goal is to deeply understand their needs so that better support and care can be developed specifically for them. It hopes to make a real difference to future support for people with this type of cancer.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine you have lung cancer, but you've never smoked. While science has made great strides in treating the cancer itself, we still don't know enough about what it's truly like to live with this condition, or how it affects the people who care for you. This often-overlooked type of lung cancer, affecting non-smokers, is quite common in the UK, yet the focus has mainly been on the tumour and its medical treatment, not on the human experience.
This research project wants to change that. Its main goal is to understand what kind of support people with lung cancer who have never smoked, and their families, really need. By listening carefully to their stories, feelings, and thoughts, the study hopes to find out what supportive care would be most helpful. This could mean anything from practical help to emotional support, and everything in between.
To achieve this, the study will talk to different groups of people: patients themselves, their nominated carers (like a family member or close friend), and the healthcare staff who look after them. The insights from these conversations will then be used to create better, more tailored support services for everyone affected. It's about making sure that the care provided truly meets the unique needs of this group.
Key takeaways
- Aims to improve support for people with lung cancer who have never smoked.
- Wants to understand personal experiences of patients and their carers, and staff insights.
- Involves one-on-one interviews for patients and carers, and group discussions for staff.
- Results will help create better future support services.
- Participation will be confidential.
- You can stop taking part at any time during the interview.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for a few different groups of people. If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer and have never smoked, you might be able to take part. This applies regardless of the stage of your cancer, as long as you are 18 years old or older and can agree to take part in an interview.
The study also wants to speak to people who support those with lung cancer who have never smoked. If someone with this type of cancer names you as their main supporter or carer, and you are 18 or older and can comfortably take part in an interview, you could be involved.
Finally, healthcare professionals who work with and support people with lung cancer who have never smoked are also invited to join a group discussion. Unfortunately, if you are under 18 or unable to agree freely to take part, you won't be able to join the study.
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.
- I have been diagnosed with lung cancer and have never smoked.
- I am 18 years old or older.
- I can comfortably have a conversation about my experiences.
- I am willing for my nominated carer (if applicable) to also be interviewed separately.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, the study team will invite you to a private, one-on-one interview. During this interview, you'll be asked about your experiences living with lung cancer and the support you've received. They'll also ask if you would like to name someone close to you – like a family member or friend – who also wants to be interviewed separately about their experiences as your supporter. Healthcare staff involved in caring for these patients will be asked to join a group discussion instead of an individual interview.
With your permission, these interviews and group discussions will be audio recorded and then written down so the researchers can carefully study what was said. The study plans to interview up to 20 patients and up to 20 carers, and about 6 to 10 staff members will participate in the focus group. The entire study is planned to run from April 2025 to March 2026, meaning your involvement would likely fall within this timeframe.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- The Royal Marsden HospitalApproximateLondon, England
Common questions
What is 'supportive care'?
Supportive care means any help that improves your comfort and quality of life when you're living with an illness, including emotional, practical, and physical support.
Why is this study only for people who have never smoked?
This study focuses on lung cancer in non-smokers because their experiences and needs may be different from those who have smoked, and this area hasn't been studied as much for support.
Do I have to bring my carer to my interview?
No, your carer will be interviewed separately if they agree to take part. You just need to nominate them.
Will my answers be kept private?
Yes, all interviews will be confidential. Your name won't be used in any reports or publications, ensuring your privacy.
Will I get any payment for taking part?
The study information doesn't mention any payment for taking part.
How to find out more
Susanne Cruickshank
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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