New research to assess the needs of lung cancer patients

Congratulations and best wishes to Pamela Gallagher, Professor of Psychology at DCU, who will soon begin important new research funded by the Irish Cancer Society.

Prof Gallagher’s Lung Cancer Needs Assessment will examine how to best address the needs of lung cancer patients and their families.

Describing the research, Prof Gallagher said: “Living with lung cancer and its effects can be difficult for patients and caregivers, often requiring support to meet a range of physical and emotional needs. In Ireland, we don’t know enough about what needs patients and their caregivers have.

“Our research will identify what these needs are and how services from the Irish Cancer Society can support them. We will do this by talking to people with lung cancer in Ireland and their carers so as to understand more about their individual experiences and see where current supports can be improved.”

She added: “Already research has shown higher levels of psychological distress among people with lung cancer compared to other cancer types. This is unsurprising as many may face issues of stigma, shame and blame, poor prognosis, debilitating symptoms and being diagnosed with a cancer that has a lower than average survival rate.”

Aoife McNamara, Information Development Manager at the Irish Cancer Society, added: “We welcome Prof Gallagher’s research and what it tells us about how the Irish Cancer Society’s services can meet the needs of people with lung cancer. The findings from this project will inform recommendations to the Society about what can be done to improve services for lung cancer patients and their families.”

News of Prof Gallagher’s research comes as it was revealed that one-in-five (20%) people in Ireland has less sympathy for someone with lung cancer compared to those with other forms of cancer.

Lung cancer is the fifth most common cancer in Ireland. It is estimated that around 2,500 people in Ireland were diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017.

To speak to a cancer nurse on any aspect of lung cancer contact our Cancer Nurseline on Freephone 1800 200 700, email cancernurseline@irishcancer.ie or drop into one of our 13 Daffodil Centres in hospitals nationwide. For information on Daffodil Centre locations and opening times email daffodilcentreinfo@irishcancer.ie.