About the Project
Breast cancer affects nearly 30% of women in Scotland. Five-year treatment with adjuvant hormonal therapy (e.g. tamoxifen), commenced after the primary surgery, significantly improves survival (Early Breast Cancer Trialists Collaborative Group, 2005). However, up to 50% women in the UK discontinue treatment before completing the recommended 5-year course (McCowan et al., 2008). The proposed mixed-method project would focus on the development of a theoretical framework to establish how group-based interventions can promote persistence with medication and lead to improved health outcomes among breast cancer patients. The qualitative component would be focussed on exploring barriers to persistence and identifying the types of support that would facilitate continuation of treatment. The second part of the project would involve developing a pilot of a group intervention aimed at improving persistence with treatment and overall health outcomes. The intervention would be targeted at women in the first year of adjuvant hormonal treatment, as evidence suggests that the risk of non-persistence rises sharply in the first year (Huiart et al., 2012). We expect that, by improving persistence, the intervention would lead to better health outcomes: reduced cancer recurrence, reduced mortality, and improved general physical health. We are looking for a student interested in Applied/Health Psychology and behavioural medicine.
Please provide a copy of the degree certificate and transcript for each previous degree undertaken, a copy of your English language proficiency certificate (if relevant), and contact details of two referees who can comment on your previous academic performance (at least one should be from your current degree programme). References will be requested if you are selected for interview. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Funding Notes
Full funding is available to UK/EU candidates only. Overseas candidates can apply for this studentship but will have to find additional funding to cover the difference between overseas and home fees (approximately £11,000 per annum).
Candidates should have (or expect to achieve) a minimum of a 2.1 Honours degree in a relevant subject. Applicants with a minimum of a 2.2 Honours degree may be considered provided they have a Distinction at Masters level.
References
Early Breast Cancer Trialists Collaborative Group. (2005). Effects of chemotherapy and hormonal therapy for early breast cancer on recurrence and 15-year survival: an overview of the randomised trials. The Lancet, 365(9472), 1687–1717. Huiart, L., Bouhnik, A.-D., Rey, D., Tarpin, C., Cluze, C., Bendiane, M. K., … Giorgi, R. (2012). Early discontinuation of tamoxifen intake in younger women with breast cancer: Is it time to rethink the way it is prescribed? European Journal of Cancer, 48(13), 1939–1946. McCowan, C., Shearer, J., Donnan, P. T., Dewar, J. A., Crilly, M., Thompson, A. M., & Fahey, T. P. (2008). Cohort study examining tamoxifen adherence and its relationship to mortality in women with breast cancer. British Journal of Cancer, 99(11), 1763–1768. http://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bjc.6604758
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