Research Opportunities

Use your lived experience to help shape research that could improve care for future patients

Research Opportunities

People with lived experience of cancer have unique insights that can help shape the future of cancer research, care, and treatment. By connecting patients, families, and carers with cancer researchers, we’re making sure that research is guided by the people it matters most to.

Whether you’re sharing your experiences, giving feedback on research ideas, or helping to shape new studies, your voice can make a real difference. Together, we can ensure that future cancer care is more relevant, compassionate, and effective for everyone. Your experience is valuable, and by taking part, you can help improve outcomes for future generations.

Give as much or as little time as you like.

Scroll through the details below using the < > arrows for current research opportunities and how you can get involved.

Breast reconstruction needs of older women with breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in females worldwide. The population of older women living with breast cancer is set to increase over time due to our aging population as well as improvements in treatments. Breast reconstruction improves patients’ quality of life. Despite this, the importance of breast reconstruction in older women is less well understood.

This study aims to explore the breast reconstruction needs of older women with breast cancer focusing on three main areas:

patient factors – the reasons why an individual patient may or may not choose reconstruction
healthcare professionals – the reasons why healthcare professionals may or may not promote reconstruction to their patients and the barriers to provision
representatives from industry – targeting those who manufacture, sell or promote reconstruction products such as implants, to assess their thoughts on reconstruction in older women and potential barriers

At this stage we are looking for women with breast cancer over the age of 65 years, to help plan how to carry out part 1 of this study. This will involve a short conversation either online or in-person with the researcher.

If you would like to be involved, please contact Jess via email on jess@yorkshirecancercommunity.co.uk

NIHR, NHS Mid Yorks, University of Leeds – PPIE Group & Input needed around antibiotic pumps

What we want to know:

“Could antibiotic pumps provide the NHS with a safe, cheap and greener way for hospital patients to be given antibiotics”

Come along to our Patient and Public Involvement & Engagement (PPIE) focus group

Why get involved?

Missing or delayed antibiotics in hospital can increase the risk of an antibiotic not working.

With the NHS under increased pressure, we need to improve the way we give antibiotics. Antibiotic pumps may help reduce missed doses and improve patient and staff experience.

Who are we looking for?

Anyone who wants to share their views, ideas, experiences and who have received antibiotics in hospital via a drip or a pump at home. You don’t need any previous research experience.

What will I be doing

We are asking for 1 hour of your time to introduce our project and to get your ideas and thoughts about it. This could help to shape the project and research question. If we are successful with funding, there may be opportunity to be part of the PPIE committee longer term.

We will run a small focus group at Pinderfields Hospital, as part of this we will provide refreshments, parking and reimbursement for your time.

For more information or to express your interest contact: Joe Spencer-Jones at joseph.spencer-jones@nhs.net or Stuart Bond at 07889 646305

Yorkshire Cancer Research – Call out for people living in coastal and rural communities

Yorkshire Cancer Research is currently working on a research project, exploring the experiences of people with cancer living in coastal and rural communities across Yorkshire. The findings will contribute to a new report looking at the challenges associated with living in these areas, including access to services and support.

We are looking to conduct 10–12 interviews over the summer with people who have lived experience of cancer from across Yorkshire. Our primary focus is on people living in coastal and rural communities, but we are also hoping to speak with a small number of people from urban areas to help us understand how experiences differ across the region. Please email policy@ycr.org.uk for further information.

NEW: Experience and Involvement Advisory Board

Could your experience help improve NHS services?

NHS West Yorkshire ICB is looking for people to join its new Experience and Involvement Advisory Board – a group that will help ensure the voices of patients, carers, families and communities are at the heart of decisions about health and care.

We’re looking for people from all backgrounds and communities, especially those whose voices are not always heard. You don’t need to be an expert in the NHS – your lived experience and passion for improving services are what matter most.

As a member of the Advisory Board, you’ll:

· Help influence how people are involved in shaping health and care services.

· Share your experiences and perspectives alongside people from voluntary organisations, Healthwatch, local authorities and NHS organisations.

· Ask questions, provide constructive challenge and help make sure local people’s views are listened to.

· Support NHS West Yorkshire to improve services and reduce health inequalities.

The Board meets every two months, with additional development sessions where needed. Members will receive information, guidance and tailored support to help them take part confidently and meaningfully.

If you care about improving health and care services for your community, we’d love to hear from you.

Interested?
We will be running a taster session online on Tuesday 4 August 2026 1:00pm – 3:00pm. At this session we will be running through the purpose of the advisory board, how it has been developed, and have the opportunity for members to try out some of the things the group will be doing.

The first official meeting will be in September

Use this link to register your interest in joining the West Yorkshire Experience and Involvement Advisory Board. Or email wyicb.wycommsand.involvement@nhs.net for more information

Together, we can help make sure health and care services in West Yorkshire are designed with people, not just for people.

South Kirklees Community Model of Support

Could you help shape cancer support in your community?

Everyone affected by cancer should have access to the right support, at the right time, and in the right place.

Have you been affected by cancer? West Yorkshire & Harrogate Cancer Alliance and Kirklees Council have created this opportunity for you to have your say about what matters to you.

They want to know:-

what support is important to you?
what barriers prevent people from accessing help?
how can support be more accessible?
how can communities better support people affected by cancer?

By taking part in the survey you can help them:-

improve access to support
reduce health inequalities
strengthen community-based care
improve quality of life

Share your views and help shape future cancer support in South Kirklees.

To take the survey, scan the QR code on the poster or click the button below.

Go to survey

Prostate Health Survey

North Halifax Partnership and North Halifax Primary Care Network are asking local men to share their views and experiences of prostate health check-ups.

The anonymous survey aims to understand what encourages men to get checked and any barriers or misconceptions that may prevent them from doing so.

They are particularly keen to hear from Black men aged 45+, but welcome responses from men of all ages and backgrounds.

If you live in North Halifax, please take a few minutes to share your views and help inform future local engagement around prostate health.

For more information, contact Zain Ghani at North Halifax Partnership on zain.ghani@nhpltd.org.uk or click the button below to go to the survey.

Go to survey

Are you supporting a person with head and neck cancer?

Research Study: Family, Friends, and Carers’ Experiences of Suicide Ideation in People with Head and Neck Cancer (REC 26/0019)

Ulster University is conducting a research study exploring the experiences of family members, close friends and carers when a person with head and neck cancer experiences thoughts of self-harm, feels that life is not worth living, or has more active thoughts of suicide.

For more information or to provide consent to participate, please visit the study link below or contact Cherith Semple at c.semple@ulster.ac.uk

Find out more

Out of Hospital Cancer Treatment Survey

NHS Calderdale, Huddersfield, and Mid Yorkshire Non-Oncology Partnership

Tell us what you think about out of hospital cancer treatment We would like to know what you think about having cancer treatment in a community clinic, or even at home in the future. We are looking at how we offer patients more choice in how they receive their cancer care. Some cancer treatments, like medicines you swallow as tablets and injections that go into the skin, can be given safely outside of the home. Feedback is welcome from everyone. Let us know what you think by either following the link below, or scanning the QR code on the flyer.

Find out more

Study for Black men with prostate cancer and their partners

Who is the study looking for?

Black men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer
Their partners

As a thank you for taking part, each participant will receive a £10 shopping voucher.

Recruitment is open until October 2026.

Can I hear your story?

Hi, I’m Summayah.

I’m trying to understand the real experiences of South Asian & Black women living with metastatic breast cancer.

So many voices and lived experiences are missing — and I want to help change that.
Your story can help improve support and resources for women in our communities facing metastatic breast cancer. If you feel able to share even a small part of your journey it would mean so much.

Share as much or as little as you feel comfortable

Completely confidential

Online or Phone

To take part, email Summayah2.zafar@live.uwe.ac.uk or scan the QR code on the poster.

Everyone who takes part will have the option to receive a shopping voucher as a thank you.

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