Researchers from the Institute of Nursing Research at UU are set to investigate the behaviour of men who are diagnosed with cancer.

The research, which is funded by the Ulster Cancer Foundation, comes from a growing recognition in the healthcare profession that more knowledge is needed about the needs of men with cancer and how they cope with illness and treatment.

Dr Eilis McCaughan, lecturer in cancer nursing at UU who will be leading the research, said: “Men have a higher incidence rate for all forms of shared cancer, except for malignant melanoma. This pattern is repeated in mortality rates. 

“This research will involve two studies which will explore and assess the impact of cancer and its treatments on men and their reactions and responses to them. The first study will measure the quality of life, coping styles and impact of treatment on men with prostate cancer after receiving radiotherapy treatment.  The study will collect data from a sample of 200 men over an 18-month period.

“The second study will explore and compare the experience and coping behaviour of men and women who have been newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer, over an 18-month period.”

Arlene Spiers, Chief Executive, Ulster Cancer Foundation said: “This research has been partly funded by the legacy bequeathed to UCF by Dr and Mrs Gallagher from County Down.  We are indebted to their generosity and extend our heartfelt thanks to their family. 

“We are confident that the findings from the research project will have positive implications for policy, practice and education in the field of cancer care and treatment.”

The team of researchers led by Dr McCaughan will include Professor Kader Parahoo, Professor Brendan Bunting, Professor Hugh McKenna and Dr Sonja McIlfatrick from the University of Ulster and Dr J O’Sullivan and Ms Oonagh Mc Sorley from Belfast City Hospital.

For further information, please contact:

Trina Porter
Telephone: 028 71675511
Email: Trina Porter