INVOLVING PATIENTS AND PUBLIC IN RESEARCH
Note: NCRI does not provide information or advice for patients about living with cancer or getting involved in trials. Please see our Links for Patients page for more information on these topics.
Cancer research is only worthwhile if it makes a real difference to people and families – we need better treatments for patients, with fewer side effects. We also need better ways of preventing people from getting cancer, for example by helping them to stop smoking and to have healthier lifestyles.
NCRI involves patients, carers and others affected by cancer (together known as ‘consumers’) in its work in a number of ways. We have 2-3 consumer members on each of our committees, including the NCRI Board, NCRI Clinical Studies Groups, Clinical & Translational Radiotherapy Research Working Group (CTRad) and the Confederation of Cancer Biobanks (CCB).
A key focus for our patient and public involvement work is the NCRI Consumer Liaison Group (CLG) which aims to improve the quality and value of cancer research through consumer involvement. By working with other organisations the CLG helps to raise public awareness of clinical research and cancer research in particular. The CLG is supported by the NCRN Patient and Public Involvement Lead, based within the National Cancer Research Network (NCRN). Both NCRI and NCRN believe that by working with consumers the quality of research can be enhanced for the benefit of patients and the public.
An example of direct consumer involvement is the Masterclass sessions that were run for researchers four times during 2009-2010. The Masterclass was conceived, developed and delivered by two consumer members, supported by researchers:
- Collaborate and Succeed: An evaluation of the COMPASS Masterclass in consumer involvement in research
Full Report
Executive Summary
Consumers are also involved in local activities in the cancer networks around the country where patients are treated. If you'd like more information on how to get involved please contact the NCRN Patient and Public Involvement Lead.
If you would like to know more about consumer involvement at NCRI please contact .
