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Understanding the financial impact of cancer

Kirsty, a woman with mousy shoulder length hair and brown eyes, standing in a kitchen with a cup of tea, looking away with a gentle smile.

Take part in a UK-wide online study looking at how financial challenges can develop over time after a cancer diagnosis.

What’s the title of the study?

GIFT Project: Understanding the financial impact of cancer in the United Kingdom.

What’s the project about?

Cancer can affect people financially in many ways. Costs like travel, heating, special food and loss of income can all add pressure.

This study wants to understand the financial impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment on individuals and families over time. It will look at how financial challenges develop during someone’s cancer journey, and how these challenges affect wellbeing, daily life and decisions about care.

By understanding these experiences, the researchers hope to find better ways to support people affected by cancer and improve quality of life.

Who’s organising it?

Name of project lead: Dr Ngan Tran

Job title: Wellcome Trust Fellow

Organisation: Queen’s University Belfast

Email address: giftproject@qub.ac.uk

Phone number: 02890 971 368

Who can take part?

  • You can take part if you:

  • Are aged 18 or over

  • Have been diagnosed with cancer within the past 6 months

  • Live in the UK

You do not need to be experiencing financial difficulties to take part. The researchers want to hear from people with a wide range of experiences.

Why do you want me to be involved?

Your response can help researchers understand how common financial strain is among people affected by cancer, how this varies between different groups, and what factors contribute to it.

This could help inform future research, policies and support aimed at reducing the financial impact of cancer. The findings may also be useful for organisations and professionals supporting people and families affected by cancer-related financial difficulties.

What will you ask me to do?

You’ll be asked to complete 4 online questionnaires over 1 year - 1 every 4 months (at 0, 4, 8 and 12 months).

Each questionnaire takes around 15 to 20 minutes and can be completed online from home. The questionnaires will ask about:

  • Your cancer experience, including diagnosis and treatment

  • Your wellbeing

  • The financial impact of cancer and how you are coping

  • Work and income

  • Background information, such as age, sex, ethnicity, marital status, household size and living arrangements

Survey links for follow-up questionnaires will be sent by email or text.

As a thank you, eligible participants will receive gift vouchers after each questionnaire: £35 after each of the first 3 questionnaires and £45 after the final questionnaire. The first voucher will be issued after eligibility has been confirmed.

How do I get involved?

To take part, you can sign up on the GIFT website. The website includes the participant information sheet and a link to take part. The first survey takes around 15 to 20 minutes to complete.

Responses will be reviewed by the GIFT research team to confirm eligibility and enrolment. The team may contact you to clarify your eligibility or request confirmation if needed.

When’s the deadline?

30 November 2026

Get involved

Take part and help researchers understand how financial challenges can develop over time after a cancer diagnosis.

Sign up