University of Southampton receives funding boost for UK's biggest killer
Researchers from the University of Southampton have won a share of a £1million funding boost for lung cancer research.
The team, led by Dr Claire Foster, Reader in Health Psychology in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Southampton, are one of nine projects across the UK to receive funding from the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation.
The project aims to look at ways to improve the care and support offered to lung cancer patients following surgery. Evidence is needed from lung cancer patients treated with curative intent to inform the development of clinical services following treatment and optimal timing of support. By gathering information about patients' experiences we will understand patterns of recovery and identify support needs.
The research team will ask patients to complete a questionnaire prior to their surgery and again three months later. Questions will ask about health and well-being, problems experienced, confidence to manage problems, needs, and support required.
Consultant oncologist David Gilligan, who is head of the charity's grants committee, said: "Considering the fact it kills more people than any other cancer, lung cancer research is shockingly underfunded.
"We are delighted to be able to announce these new projects, which we hope will eventually make a real difference to how lung cancer is diagnosed and how patients are treated.
"None of this would be possible without the generous donations from the public and, in particular, the legacies we have received which fund one in three of all our research projects."
Dr Foster said: "I am delighted that Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation has awarded us this funding to start to understand the recovery process following surgery. In order to support lung cancer patients effectively we must understand their needs and patterns of recovery. We do not currently have information on this from lung cancer patients who undergo surgery with curative intent.
"Having information about patterns of recovery will inform the nature of support provided, help patients manage problems for themselves and help them make decisions about treatment that will impact on their everyday lives."
If you would like to make a donation to lung cancer research please visit www.roycastle.org/donate call 0333 323 7200 or email fundraising@roycastle.org
Notes for editors
For more information about the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation call 0333 323 7200 or visit www.roycastle.org.