Emotional wellbeing after a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis

What’s the title of the study?

Exploring Lived Experiences of Secondary Breast Cancer Following a Primary Diagnosis: Emotional Wellbeing and Psychological Support

What’s the study about?

When breast cancer spreads from the breast to another part of the body such as the bones, lungs, liver or brain, it’s called metastatic breast cancer. And whilst it can be treated, it can’t be cured.

Being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer after primary breast cancer can be devastating. It can bring shock, fear, uncertainty and a need for support that truly understands what you’re going through.

This study wants to better understand that experience.

The researcher is looking at how people make sense of both their primary and metastatic breast cancer diagnoses, and how they describe these experiences in their own words. The study will explore the emotional impact, the challenges people face, whether their psychological needs are being met, and what kind of support could make a meaningful difference.

The findings could help highlight gaps in current care and improve psychological support for people diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer after primary breast cancer.

Who’s organising it?

Name of project lead: Millie McNally

Job title: Trainee Clinical Psychologist

Organisation: University of Hull

Email address: m.mcnally2-2023@hull.ac.uk

Phone number: 07971 993 937

Who can take part?

You can take part if you:

• Are aged 18 or over
• Had at least 6 months between your primary breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent metastatic breast cancer diagnosis
• Were diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at least 6 months ago
• Feel comfortable taking part in an interview in English

Why do you want me to be involved?

Your experience can help researchers better understand the emotional impact of receiving a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis after primary breast cancer.

By taking part, you can help bring more visibility to what people go through. The support that helps. Uncovering what’s missing. And getting to the bottom of what needs to change.

The findings could help improve future psychological support and care for people living with metastatic breast cancer.

What will you ask me to do?

You’ll be asked to take part in an interview lasting around 60 minutes.

The interview will focus on your experience of being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer after primary breast cancer. This may include:

• How the diagnosis affected you emotionally
• How people around you responded
• What support you received
• What support you feel was missing

The interview will be conducted either online or in-person in Hull. If in person, the researcher will organise the interview in a convenient location such as the University of Hull Library or Hull and East Riding Breast Friends. Some interviews could also take place at GreetWell Place, a private room booked via City of Lincoln Council.

You’ll also be asked to provide some basic information about yourself, such as your age, gender, county of residence, ethnicity and religion. This will help the researcher understand whether there are patterns or differences in people’s experiences and access to support.

As a thank you, you’ll receive a £10 Love2shop voucher by email after your interview. If you travel to an interview and live within 30 miles of the University of Hull, travel expenses can be reimbursed at 40p per mile.

How do I get involved?

To register your interest in taking part in the study, please complete the online form.

Or for more information, contact lead researcher Millie McNally at m.mcnally2-2023@hull.ac.uk, or by phone on 07971 993 937.

When’s the deadline?

7 December 2026