Tara Anderson, 24 originally from Aghyaran, County Tyrone, is one of four NIPANC-supported Queen’s University Belfast PhD students researching pancreatic cancer.
Their work helps us get a better understanding of the disease and how it impacts individuals and families in NI.
Tara is in her first year starting in January 2024 and has since received ethical approval for her study with data collection coinciding with Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month #PCAM, this November.
The title of her PhD is Exploring the Supportive Care Needs of Families Affected by Pancreatic Cancer: A Mixed-Methods Study.
She explains more:
“To date, no published research with pancreatic cancer caregivers has been conducted in the UK or Ireland. As NI has one of the lowest five-year survival rates for pancreatic cancer in the world, below the UK average, this is an important gap to address as families here may experience increased unmet needs and greater psychological impacts due to poorer prognosis".
“My PhD aims to address a critical gap in understanding the impact of pancreatic cancer on families and the role of support services in NI. The findings will inform the development and enhancement of support programs, tailored to meet the specific needs of families".
“It will also explore the care needs of those whose loved one have received a pancreatic cancer diagnosis and associated psychological outcomes. By exploring these areas, I hope to gain insight into how best to support families during this challenging time. This will allow us to inform support interventions and tailor support for families to help improve their quality of life".
Tara, who now lives in Belfast, has lived experience of pancreatic cancer. Her grandfather was diagnosed with the disease in May 2023 and passed away at home twelve weeks later in August 2023.
She said: “Having seen my family’s experience with my grandad’s diagnosis and cancer journey in which there was little time to process the diagnosis and what that meant before he passed away, provides motivation for my research to help other families navigate similar situations and hopefully have more positive experiences".
Tara originally studied Psychology with Professional Placement at QUB graduating in July 2023. She worked in a research support role during her placement year with the School of Psychology, QUB continuing as a research assistant during the final year of her degree.
Post graduation, she began working with Dr Gary Mitchell at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, QUB as a research assistant across projects including leading the evaluation of the NIPANC Serious Game for symptom awareness before beginning her PhD in January 2024.
Tara first encountered NIPANC through the Serious Game project, then later with the development of an e-resource for health professional students.
“It was during this time, I worked alongside NIPANC to develop the protocol for my PhD research. I wanted to ensure it would be informed by and hopefully benefit the people who are impacted by pancreatic cancer".
“Working with NIPANC has allowed me to engage with people with personal, and professional experience dealing with pancreatic cancer. The charity has been an incredible support to me and has provided thoughtful guidance and insight during the development of my project so far".
“I am looking forward to continuing our partnership as my research progresses. As one of NIPANC’s primary aims is to support those impacted by pancreatic cancer, I hope my PhD research can play a part in achieving this".
During Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, Tara is asking for your help and input.
She explained: “I am conducting a survey to gather information about the needs of those supporting someone with a pancreatic cancer diagnosis as well as the psychological impact that a loved one’s diagnosis may have".
This survey is open to everyone, aged 18+, who has a family member currently living with a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. This study has received ethical approval from the Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Life Sciences, QUB (Ref: MHLS 24_137)
If you would like to participate, please follow this link: NIPANC FAMILY SURVEY
Tara added: “This will allow us to explore which individual characteristics, and areas of need, may be more associated with negative emotional experiences so we can identify areas where increased support may be beneficial".
There will be follow-up interviews with a sub-sample of people who complete the survey. Additionally, we will talk to people who provide support to those impacted by pancreatic cancer to identify facilitators and barriers to providing this support.
“All of the data we collect will be taken together to provide a comprehensive understanding of family’s experiences, where there are greater areas of unmet need, and how these may be addressed".
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