Psychological support for younger women with metastatic breast cancer

What’s the title of the study?

How Do Younger Women With Metastatic Breast Cancer Describe Their Psychological Support Needs?

What’s the project about?

People living with breast cancer can face a range of psychological and emotional challenges. While there is lots of research into primary breast cancer, secondary breast cancer remains under researched, despite the unique challenges of an incurable diagnosis. For younger women, these challenges can be even greater.

This study wants to better understand the experiences and psychological support needs of women under 50 with metastatic breast cancer.

The findings may help inform the development of metastatic breast cancer services within the NHS, with a focus on psychological care.

Who’s organising it?

Name of project lead: Nina Sims

Job title: Trainee Clinical Psychologist

Organisation: University of Hull

Email address: n.sims-2023@hull.ac.uk

Who can take part?

You can take part if you:

• Identify as female

• Have a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer

• Are under 50

• Live in Northern England

Why do you want me to be involved?

Your experience can make a valuable contribution to metastatic breast cancer research.

By taking part, you could help researchers better understand what psychological support younger women with metastatic breast cancer need. This may help improve the support offered by healthcare services in the future.

What will you ask me to do?

You’ll be asked to take part in a one-to-one interview with the researcher. The interview will last around 60 to 90 minutes.

It can take place either:

• Online via Microsoft Teams

• At the University of Hull

• In a local charity setting in Hull

• At your home, if preferred and appropriate

The interview will include open-ended questions about your experiences of living with metastatic breast cancer and your views on psychological support. With your permission, the interview will be audio-recorded so it can be written up and analysed.

You’ll also be asked to share some demographic information, such as your age, background and time since diagnosis.

If you travel to attend the interview and live within 30 miles of the University of Hull, travel expenses can be reimbursed at 40p per mile. This is a one-off interview, and you can request feedback on the study findings.

How do I get involved?

To register your interest, contact the project lead, Nina Sims, at n.sims-2023@hull.ac.uk.

When’s the deadline?

9 October 2026

Please note: recruitment will close once 10 to 15 participants have been recruited. Anyone who registers interest after this point will not be able to take part, but can still ask to receive feedback on the findings.