LICAMM My child has cancer: An exploration of the lived experience of parents

Summary

Following the publication of ‘Throwing light on the consequences of cancer and its treatment’ (MacMillan Cancer Support, 2013), there has in the last two to three years been an increase in research focussing on cancer survivorship. This has underpinned changes in the treatment, follow up and aftercare of patients with cancer in practice. However, much of the literature which examines and debates the experience of the person who has cancer centres on issues such as impact of diagnosis, support mechanisms and coping strategies. This is reinforced by the release of the UK top ten living with and beyond cancer research strategies (NRCI, 2018). Only one of the ten strategies concentrates on the psychological impact of cancer and its treatments and the most effective way of providing support to a person with cancer, their carers and families.

This study could provide vital new evidence of the experience of parents whose child has cancer and will offer unique insights and understanding of the parent’s experiences and perspectives as they and their child navigate through the journey of diagnosis and treatment. The lessons learned will directly inform practice and enhance the future management of children with cancer and their families.

This PhD will offer you the opportunity to explore the experiences of parents whose child has cancer and has the support of Larsen's Pride, a charity supporting children with brain tumours. There is limited research in this area and therefore there is scope to make an important contribution to the field.

References

MacMillan Cancer Support (2013) Throwing light on the consequences of cancer and its treatment’ MacMillan Cancer Support

National Cancer Research Institute (2018). The UK Top living with and beyond cancer research priorities. https://www.ncri.org.uk/lwbc/#lwbc_questions

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class bachelors honours degree in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher: for example, several faculties also require a Masters degree.

Applicants are advised to check with the relevant school prior to making an application or, if they are uncertain about the entry requirements for a particular research degree, are advised to contact the Faculty PGR Admissions Team prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.