Cancer, Supportive and Palliative Care Research Group
The Cancer Care research group aims to conduct quality research that will provide real patient benefit and improve the lives of those affected by cancer.
Overview
The group is led by Professor Kinta Beaver and works closely with clinical partners in the NHS. We have a strong history of work that examines the information needs and decision making preferences of people with cancer and evaluating nurse-led interventions.
We also have expertise in examining the issues faced by those with advanced cancer, in particular the needs of lay carers.
One of our key research areas is survivorship issues and how we can enhance the lives of people who have completed treatment for cancer and are living with their diagnosis.
Our work has shown that current follow-up arrangements do not always meet the needs of people with cancer and we have evaluated new nurse-led strategies that present a shift in focus from a clinical model of care to one that provides people with the information they need to live well after a cancer diagnosis.
We use a range of methodologies and methods that includes randomised controlled trials, survey designs and qualitative research.
Implementation of telephone follow-up by specialist nurses into clinical practice for patients diagnosed with endometrial, colorectal and breast cancer.
Publications in peer reviewed journals and invitations to present research findings at key international and national conferences.
Inclusion of research findings and recommendations into UK Department of Health policy documents and national clinical guidelines:
- British Gynaecological Cancer Society (BGCS) clinical guidelines. BGCS Uterine Cancer Guidelines: Recommendations for Practice (2018). Sundar, Balega, Crosbie et al. British Gynaecology Cancer Society, London UK.
- Colorectal cancer: the diagnosis and management of colorectal cancer. NICE Guidance (2011).
- Determining Research Priorities for Cancer Survivorship: Consultation and Evidence Review (2009).
- National Cancer Survivorship Initiative - Supported Self-Management Workstream. Cancer follow-up: towards a personalised approach to aftercare services - a review of current practice and selected initiatives (2009).
- NCSI Research Stream Survivorship Journey Mapping Project. Summary & reports for Bowel cancer, Breast cancer, Lung cancer and Prostate cancer. (2009).
- Improving Outcomes for People with Skin Tumours including Melanoma: The Evidence Review. NICE Guidance (2006).
Featured article in Nursing Standard and featured on front page in 2017. Nursing Standard is the UK's highest circulating nursing publication and reaches over 96,000 nurses every week.
The ENDCAT trial team were shortlisted for the RCNi annual nursing awards in 2016.
Newton C, Nordin A, Rolland P, Ind T, Larson-Disney P, Martin-Hirsch P, Beaver K, Bolton H, Peevor R, Fernandes A, Kew F, Sengupta P, Miles T, Buckley L, Manderville H, Gajjar K, Morrison J, Ledermann J, Frost J, Lawrence A, Fotopoulou C. British Gynaecology Cancer Society recommendations and guidance on patient initiated follow up (PIFU). International Journal of Gynecological Cancer. In Press
Beaver K, Williamson S, Sutton CJ, Gardner A, Martin-Hirsch P. (2020) Endometrial cancer patients’ preferences for follow-up after treatment: a cross-sectional survey. European Journal of Oncology Nursing. In Press
Harkin L, Beaver K, Dey P, Choong K. (2020) Secret groups and open forums: defining online support communities from the perspective of people affected by cancer. Digital Health. 6, 1–13. DOI: 10.1177/2055207619898993
Beaver K, Martin-Hirsch P, Williamson S, Kyrgiou M (2019). Exploring the acceptability and feasibility of patient initiated follow up for women treated for Stage I endometrial cancer. European Journal of Oncology Nursing. In Press. DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2019.101704
Doran D, Williamson S, Wright K, Beaver K (2018). “It’s not just about prostate cancer, it’s about being a gay man”: a qualitative study of gay men’s experiences of health care provision. European Journal of Cancer Care. 27:e12923. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecc.12923
Anderson de Cuevas A, Saini P, Roberts D, Beaver K, Chandrashekar M, Jain A, Kotas E, Tahir N, Ahmed S, Brown S (2018). A systematic review of barriers and enablers to South Asian women’s attendance for asymptomatic screening of breast and cervical cancers in emigrant countries. BMJ Open. Jul 2018, 8 (7) e020892; DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020892
Williamson S, Beaver K, Gardner A, Martin-Hirsch P (2018). Telephone follow-up after treatment for endometrial cancer: a qualitative study of patients’ and clinical nurse specialists’ experiences in the ENDCAT Trial. European Journal of Oncology Nursing. 34; 61-67
Dixon P, Beaver K, Williamson S, Sutton C, Martin-Hirsch P, Hollingworth W (2018). Cost consequence analysis alongside a randomised controlled trial of hospital versus telephone follow-up after treatment for endometrial cancer. Applied Health Economics and Health Policy. Published online 12.04.18. doi.org/10.1007/s40258-018-0378-6
Rieger K, Hack T, Beaver K, Schofield P (2017). Should Consultation Recording Use be a Practice Standard? A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness and Implementation of Consultation Recordings. Psycho-Oncology. 27(4); 1121-1128
Mulugeta B, Williamson S, Monks R, Hack T, Beaver K (2017). Cancer through black eyes - The views of UK based black men towards cancer: A constructivist grounded theory study. European Journal of Oncology Nursing. 29; 8-16
Harkin LJ, Beaver K, Dey P. Choong KA (2017). Navigating cancer using online communities: a grounded theory of survivor and family experiences. Journal of Cancer Survivorship. DOI 10.1007/s11764-017-0616-1
Leeson SC, Beaver K, Ezendam NPM, Mačuks R, Martin-Hirsch PL, Miles T, Jeppesen MM, Jensen PT, Zola P (2017). The future for follow-up of gynaecological cancer in Europe. Summary of available data and overview of ongoing trials. European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Biology. 210; 376–380
Beaver K, Williamson S, Sutton C, Hollingworth W, Gardner A, Allton B, Abdel-Aty M, Blackwood K, Burns S, Curwen D, Ghani R, Keating P, Murray S, Tomlinson A, Walker B, Willett M, Wood N, Martin-Hirsch P (2017). Comparing hospital and telephone follow-up for patients treated for Stage I endometrial cancer (ENDCAT Trial): a randomised, multicentre, non-inferiority trial. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 124(1), 150-160
Beaver K, Williamson S, Briggs J (2016). Exploring patient experiences of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. European Journal of Oncology Nursing. 20, 77-86
Boquiren VM, Hack TF, Beaver K, Williamson S (2015). What do measures of patient satisfaction with the doctor tell us? Patient Education and Counseling. 98(12); 1465–1473
Liu Z, Speed S, Beaver K (2015). Perceptions and attitudes towards exercise among Chinese elders – the implications of culturally based self-management strategies for effective health related help seeking and person centred care. Health Expectations. 18(2); 262-272
Williamson S, Chalmers K, Beaver K (2015). Patient experiences of nurse-led telephone follow-up after treatment for colorectal cancer. European Journal of Oncology Nursing. 19(3), 237-243
Liu Z, Beaver K, Speed S (2015). Chinese elders’ views on their interactions in General Practice: a Grounded Theory study. Ethnicity and Health. 20 (2); 129-144.
Shang C, Beaver K, Campbell M (2015). Social cultural influences on breast cancer views and breast health practices among Chinese women in the UK. Cancer Nursing. 38(5):343-350
Liu Z, Beaver K, Speed S (2014). Being Healthy: a Grounded Theory Study of Help Seeking Behaviour among Chinese Elders living in the UK. International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being. 9, pp. 24820.
Hurst H, Summers A, Beaver K, Caress A (2014). Living with Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis (EPS): the Patient’s Perspective. Peritoneal Dialysis International. 34:758-765.
Hautamäki-Lamminen K, Lipiäinen L, Beaver K, Lehto J, Kellokumpu-Lehtinen PL (2013). Cancer patients’ sexuality-related Information needs in relation to other information needs. European Journal of Oncology Nursing. 17(1); 9-15
Beaver K, Campbell M, Williamson S, Procter D, Sheridan J, Heath J, Susnerwala S (2012). An exploratory trial comparing telephone and hospital follow-up after treatment for colorectal cancer. Colorectal Disease. 14(10); 1201-1209
Beaver K (2012). How times have changed. [Editorial] Cancer Nursing. 35(4):323, July/August
Calman L, Beaver K, Hond D, Lorigan P, Roberts C, Lloyd-Jones M (2011). Survival benefits from intensive follow-up of lung cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Thoracic Oncology. 6(12):1993-2004
Farrell C, Molassiotis A, Beaver K, Heaven C (2011). Exploring the scope of oncology specialist nurses' practice in the UK. European Journal of Oncology Nursing. 15(2); 160-166
Beaver K, Wilson C, Procter D, Sheridan J, Towers G, Heath J, Susnerwala S, Luker K (2011). Colorectal cancer follow-up: patient satisfaction and amenability to telephone after care. European Journal of Oncology Nursing. 15(1); 23-30
Beaver K (2011). Cancer Follow-up. Nursing Times. 107(10), 18
Beaver K, Latif S, Williamson S, Procter D, Sheridan J, Heath J, Susnerwala S, Luker K (2010). An exploratory study of the follow-up care needs of patients treated for colorectal cancer. Journal of Clinical Nursing. 19 (23-24), 3291-3330
Beaver K, Williamson S, Chalmers K (2010). Telephone follow-up after treatment for breast cancer: views and experiences of patients and specialist breast care nurses. Journal of Clinical Nursing. 19(19); 2916-2924
Beaver K, Hollingworth W, McDonald R, Dunn G, Tysver-Robinson D, Thomson L, Hindley A, Susnerwala S, Luker K (2009). Economic evaluation of hospital versus telephone follow-up after treatment for breast cancer: evidence from a randomized trial. British Journal of Surgery. 96(12); 1406-1415
Lydon AM, Beaver K, Newbery C, Wray J (2009). Routine follow-up after treatment for ovarian cancer in the United Kingdom (UK): patient and health professional views. European Journal of Oncology Nursing. 13(5), 336-343
Beaver K, Tysver-Robinson D, Campbell M, Twomey M, Williamson S, Hindley A, Susnerwala S, Dunn G, Luker K (2009). Comparing hospital and telephone follow-up after treatment for breast cancer: a randomised equivalence trial. British Medical Journal. 338; a3147.
Beaver K, Campbell M, Craven O, Jones D, Luker K, Susnerwala S (2009). Colorectal patients' attitudes towards involvement in decision making. Health Expectations.12:27-37
Beaver K, Booth K (2007). Information needs and decision making preferences: comparing findings for gynaecological, breast and colorectal cancer. European Journal of Oncology Nursing. 11(5); 409-416
Beaver K, Craven O, Susnerwala SS, Jones D, Witham G, Tomlinson M, Luker KA (2007). Patient participation in decision making: views of health professionals caring for people with colorectal cancer. Journal of Clinical Nursing. 16(4), 725-733
Beaver K, Witham G (2007). Information needs of the informal carers of women treated for breast cancer. European Journal of Oncology Nursing. 11(1), 16-25
Beaver K, Twomey M, Witham G, Foy S, Luker K (2006). Meeting the information needs of women with breast cancer: piloting a nurse led intervention. European Journal of Oncology Nursing. 10(5), 378-390
Beaver K, Jones D, Susnerwala S, Craven O, Tomlinson M, Witham G, Luker KA (2005). Exploring the decision-making preferences of people with colorectal cancer. Health Expectations. 8(2), 103-113
Gopal RLR, Beaver K, Barnett T, Ismail NSN (2005). Comparison of the information needs of women diagnosed with breast cancer: Malaysia and the UK. Cancer Nursing. 28(2), 132-140
Beaver K, Luker KA. (2005) Follow-up in breast cancer clinics: reassuring for patients rather than detecting recurrence. Psycho-Oncology. 14(2), 94-101
Booth K, Beaver K, Kitchener H, O'Neill J, Farrell C (2005). Women's experiences of information, psychological distress and worry after treatment for gynaecological cancer. Patient Education and Counseling. 56(2); 225-232
Farrell C, Heaven C, Beaver K, Maguire P (2005). Identifying the concerns of women undergoing chemotherapy. Patient Education and Counseling. 56(1), 72-77
Beaver K (2004). Meeting the information needs of people with cancer. [Editorial]. European Journal of Oncology Nursing. 8(3), 193-194
Kirshbaum M, Beaver K, Luker KA (2004). Perspectives of breast care nurses on research dissemination and utilisation. Clinical Effectiveness in Nursing. 8(1), 47-58
Luker KA, Wilson K, Pateman BD, Beaver K (2003). The role of district nursing: perspectives of cancer patients and their carers before and after hospital discharge. European Journal of Cancer Care. 12(4), 308-316
Jordan L, Beaver K, Foy S (2002). Ozone treatment for radiotherapy skin reactions: is there an evidence base for practice? European Journal of Oncology Nursing. 6(4),220-227
Wilson K, Pateman B, Beaver K, Luker KA (2002). Patient and carer needs following a cancer related hospital admission: the importance of referral to the district nursing service. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 38(3), 245-253
Beaver K, Luker KA, Woods S (2000) Primary care services received during terminal illness. International Journal of Palliative Nursing. 6(5), 220-227
Woods S, Beaver K, Luker K (2000). Users' views of palliative care services: ethical implications. Nursing Ethics. 7(4), 314-326
Luker KA, Beaver K, Austin L, Leinster SJ (2000) An evaluation of information cards as a means of improving communication between hospital and primary care for women with breast cancer. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 31(5), 1174-1182
Beaver K, Bogg J, Luker KA. (1999) Decision making preferences and information needs: a comparison of colorectal and breast cancer. Health Expectations 2(4), 266-276
Beaver K, Luker KA, Woods S (1999). The views of terminally ill people and lay carers on primary care. International Journal of Palliative Nursing. 5(6), 266-274
Beaver K, Luker KA, Woods S (1998). Conducting research with the terminally ill: challenges and considerations. International Journal of Palliative Nursing. 5(1), 13-17
Dowes K, Beaver K, Booth K (1998) Managing cancer pain at home: the WHO guidelines in perspective. British Journal of Community Health Nursing. 3(6), 283-288
Griffiths A, Beaver K (1997). Quality of life for women receiving high dose chemotherapy for breast cancer: a pilot study. International Journal of Palliative Nursing. 3(3), 138-144.
Beaver K, Luker KA (1997). Readability of patient information booklets for women with breast cancer. Patient Education and Counseling. 31(2), 95-102.
Luker KA, Beaver K, Leinster SJ, Owens RG (1996). The information needs of women with breast cancer: a follow up study. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 23(3), 487- 495.
Beaver K, Luker KA, Owens RG, Leinster SJ, Degner LF, Sloan JA (1996). Treatment decision making in women newly diagnosed with breast cancer (1996). Cancer Nursing 19(1), 8-19.
Beaver K, Luker KA, Leinster SJ (1996). Breast Cancer: On the Cards. Health Services Journal. 106(5526), 28-29
Luker KA, Beaver K, Leinster SJ, Owens RG (1996). The meaning of illness for women with breast cancer. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 23(6), 1194-1201.
Luker KA, Beaver K, Leinster SJ, Owens RG, Degner LF, Sloan JA (1995). The information needs of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 22(1), 134-141.
- Professor Kinta Beaver
- Dr Susan Williamson
- Professor Tom Hack (Honorary)
- Professor Pierre Martin-Hirsch (Honorary)
The is registered with the Charity Commission (reg. charity no. 1131583) and forms part of the charitable funds of Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The Trustees are the Trust Board of Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, who delegate the management of the charity to a Management Committee in line with NHS Financial Standing Instructions.
At Rosemere we aim to raise funds for additional equipment and facilities for cancer patients being treated at the specialist Cancer Centre at Royal Preston Hospital and in the local Cancer Units throughout Lancashire and South Cumbria. Rosemere Cancer Foundation
Comensus is a new way of involving service users, carers and the wider community in the training and development of health and social care students.
It is service user and carer led and has been developed to embed the voices of those using health and social care services and their carers in the work of the School, involves the Universities of Central Lancashire, Wolverhampton, Manchester, Liverpool and Keele and together with the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology and Walton Centre NHS Trusts, in a new strategic alliance designed to consolidate and exploit clinical and research-based brain tumour expertise which currently exists within the region. Brain Tumour North West (BTNW)
Cancer related PhD student completions:
- Can we recommend non-profit cancer websites as a form of support to people with cancer? Lydia Harkin. PhD (2016).
- The Influence of culture on the views of black African/African-Caribbean men living In the UK towards cancer. Betseleot Mulugeta. PhD (2015).
- The lived experience of gay men with prostate cancer. Dawn Doran. PhD (2015).
- Imperial College Healthcare Charity. Supported self-management in the follow-up care of women treated for Stage I endometrial and ovarian cancer: a feasibility study Kyrgiou M, Beaver K, Martin-Hirsch P. (2016-2017).
- Rosemere Cancer Foundation. The Holistic Needs Assessment in Cancer Care: Identifying Barriers and Facilitators to Implementation. Williamson S, Tomlinson A, Murray S, Loftus D, Robinson P, Whitfield T, Beaver K (2016-2017).
- Collaborative Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC). A systematic review on social, cultural and individual influences on the beliefs, attitudes and behaviours of South Asian women regarding asymptomatic screening for female cancers. Brown S, Saini P, Chandrashekar M, Jain A, Beaver K, Kotas E, Tahir N (2015-2016).
- Rosemere Cancer Foundation. Evaluating alternative models of patient follow-up in oncology clinics. Mottram J, Langton S, Loftus D, Beaver K, Smith L, Hogg. (2014-2015)
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Research for Patient Benefit award scheme. Comparing hospital and telephone follow-up for women treated for endometrial cancer (ENDCAT: Endometrial Cancer Telephone follow-up trial). Beaver K, Martin Hirsch P, Tomlinson A, Keating P, Sutton C, Hollingworth W, Williamson S. (2012-2015).
- Rosemere Cancer Foundation. Exploring patient experiences of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer to determine psycho-social, information and support needs. Beaver K, Briggs J, Thomas A, Tysver-Robinson D, Bracegirdle L, Jones L, Guilfoyle S, Ronson M, Kiriparan, Rajan, Spickett H, Susnerwala S, Hindley A, Williamson S. (2012-2013).
Related articles
Changing the way follow-up services are delivered to benefit cancer survivors
There are 2,500,000 cancer survivors in the UK and, as this number continues to increase, regular, face to face Hospital-Based Follow-Up outpatient appointments have become increasingly unsustainable, both practically and economically.
Wednesday 6 October 2021