Evaluation of the impact of emotional, nutritional and physical exercise support interventions delivered by a volunteer-led Cancer Support centre, on the unmet needs and health related quality of life of cancer patients.

The physical and psychological health of cancer patients can be affected throughout their cancer journey, from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond. This results in cancer patients, and their families, experiencing new problems, such as increased distress, depression, fatigue, lack of information, and financial worries. Many of these needs are unmet. Supports such as counseling, nutritional advice, exercise programmes, touch therapies and meditation can meet some of the needs of cancer patients and their families and lead to an improvement in their quality of life. The National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026, published by the Department of Health also recognises the importance of support, including psycho-social care, for cancer patients.

 

Research Findings

Publications

Murphy A, Chu RW, Drummond FJ. A cost analysis of a community-based support centre for cancer patients and their families in Ireland: the EVeCANs study. Support Care Cancer. 2021 Feb;29(2):619-625. doi: 10.1007/s00520-020-05508-8. Epub 2020 May 15. PMID: 32415384.

This research was featured by the Irish Medical Times on 8th June 2020: The cost of community-based cancer support revealed.

 

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Start date:
2018
End date:
2019
Principal Investigator:
Dr Frances Drummond
Institution:
UCC
Grant funding:
Breakthrough Cancer Research project grant
Cancer type:
Multiple
Linked Breakthrough Research Priorities:
6

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