Abstract

This is a qualitative study investigating cancer patients’ views and use of cancer support groups and other cancer support, including views of the benefits of support groups and barriers to their use. This study was conducted in collaboration with the Christie Hospital and local support groups. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with patients with breast, colorectal, lung and bladder cancer recruited from hospital outpatient clinics and support groups. The analysis will be able to compare and contrast the views of members of support groups with non-members. As well as yielding important information in own right, the study will inform the development of measures for a study on predictors of patients’ use of cancer support groups.