Take Care: supporting carers of patients undergoing chemotherapy

New research on the needs of carers who support patients during chemotherapy, carried out by the School’s Supportive Cancer Care Research Group, was published last week.  A short film detailing their findings has also been released. 

The study looked at the specific needs and challenges for carers looking after someone as they undergo chemotherapy, and finding ways in which to engage them fully in the role of carer. Whether they are a partner, family or friend it can be a huge undertaking and the study has looked at developing an ‘intervention’ to help support the carer through the complexities of caring for someone living with cancer.

The research was funded by the Dimbleby Cancer Care, a charity that exists to offer care and support to people affected by cancer – the patients, their families and carers. Every year Dimbleby Cancer Care funds up to £275,000 for research projects focussing on cancer care.

A short film was developed, as part of the research output, that helps carers to support a friend or relative through chemotherapy. You can view the film here. 

The executive summary of the research findings can be downloaded here.