Shape a study into the financial impact of breast cancer

What’s the title of the study?

Life beyond diagnosis: analysing inequalities in employment and income after breast cancer

What’s the project about?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, and a diagnosis can affect a person’s job, income and worries about money. When someone is diagnosed, one of the first things they often want to know is what it will mean for their job and income.

Researchers want to understand how breast cancer affects people’s working lives, income and financial security, both during and after treatment.

They are particularly interested in why some people face greater financial difficulties than others, and why these difficulties can continue for years after diagnosis. For example, it may be harder to manage financially when someone is already working in a low-paid job, has children or other caring responsibilities, or is living with other health conditions.

They hope that our study will help the government, employers, doctors, patients and their families to provide better support. This includes support for going back to work, earlier help to claim benefits, and better care for people living with and beyond breast cancer.

The researchers are currently applying for funding for their project, and they’re setting up a patient advisory board to help shape to research.

Who’s organising it?

Name of project lead: Aizhan Kyzayeva

Job title: Research Associate

Organisation: University of Glasgow

Email address: Aizhan.Kyzayeva@glasgow.ac.uk

Who can take part?

You can take part if you're over 25, live in Scotland and have had a personal diagnosis of breast cancer, including

• DCIS

• Stage 1, 2 and 3 primary breast cancer

• A local or regional recurrence of primary breast cancer

• Metastatic breast cancer

The researchers are particularly keen to hear from a wide range of experiences, including

• people in low-paid employment

• self-employed people

• people living with other long-term conditions

• People living in low-income areas

• people from minoritised ethnic backgrounds

You do not need any previous research experience to take part.

Why do you want me to be involved?

By joining the group, you can help ensure that the research reflects what matters to people affected by breast cancer.

Your input will help the researchers identify what support patients need, particularly those who may face additional challenges. This could shape decision about support in the future.

What will you ask me to do?

As a member of the advisory group, you will work with the research team to shape the study, discuss what the findings mean, and advise on how best to share the results. You will share your views and experiences of work and income after breast cancer, help the researchers understand what our findings mean for people’s lives, and help them explain them clearly.

The group will meet a few times a year during the three-year project, online, in person or by phone. Dates, format and frequency will be agreed with members, and you can step back at any time.

Members will receive plain-language information before each meeting and will be paid for preparation and meeting time. The research team will also reimburse travel and caring costs. The PPI lead will support members between meetings. After each meeting, they will explain how members’ suggestions have been used.

How do I get involved?

If you are interested in joining the PPI group, or would like to find out more, please contact Aizhan at Aizhan.Kyzayeva@glasgow.ac.uk.

If you do not have access to the internet or would prefer not to take part online, please let the team know. They can discuss alternative ways for you to get involved, including attending meetings in person.

When’s the deadline?

23 November 2026