Understanding men’s experiences with cancer
Professor Carlene Wilson, from Cancer Council SA and the Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, with Health Sciences PhD student Jennifer Fish who is conducting the study.
Flinders University and Cancer Council SA are seeking recruits for a new study of South Australian men who recently have been diagnosed with cancer.
Health Sciences PhD student at Flinders University Jennifer Fish said she hoped to better understand the cancer journey for men and how seeking help for cancer symptoms might be different for men living in Adelaide compared to rural South Australia.
“Early detection and treatment of cancer can be important for successful treatment, which is typically achieved through cancer screening or early diagnosis through visiting a doctor for a cancer symptom,” Ms Fish said.
“I would like to hear men’s stories and to explore the issues that might be related to seeking help for cancer symptoms. I am hoping to hear from both urban and rural men, who may have different experiences with seeking help for symptoms.”
Ms Fish said women are also invited to be involved in the study by encouraging men in their lives to share their cancer stories.
“I would like women to ask their partners, fathers, brothers and sons to get involved and share their experiences of cancer,” she said.
“I am hoping to hear from a broad range of men.”
Professor Carlene Wilson, from Cancer Council SA and the Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, said the results from the study would help provide a better understanding of men’s experiences of seeking medical help throughout South Australia.
“There are several challenges for people when experiencing a cancer symptom, including interpreting the change in the body, making a decision about what to do, and making an appointment to see a medical professional,” said Professor Wilson, who is also principal supervisor for this research project.
“We want to better understand men’s experiences of cancer to provide the most appropriate cancer prevention campaigns.”
For more information about the study or to find out if you are eligible to participate, please contact Jennifer Fish on email [email protected] or phone 08 7221 8436. All interviews with participants will be confidential.
