When a loved one faces a cancer diagnosis, the immediate focus naturally turns to their treatment and clinical care. However, at our organisation, we know that unpaid carers and partners walk this difficult journey too. Partners frequently manage heavy emotional loads, coordinate appointments, and take on extra responsibilities, all while navigating personal fears and changes in relationship identity and intimacy.
To ensure these voices are heard, we are inviting our community to participate in a vital doctoral study led by Lara Pope, a Doctoral Clinical Psychology student at the University of Hertfordshire.
The project, titled “Exploring partners’ experience of gynaecological cancer: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis” (UH Protocol Number: 1986 ST HSET 2026), aims to deeply understand how partners navigate their own needs, identities, and relationships during and after diagnosis. The researcher is especially keen to connect with individuals from communities that are historically underrepresented in healthcare research, including male partners, LGBTQ+ communities, and Global Majority communities.
Who Can Take Part?
You may be eligible to participate in this study if you meet the following criteria:
- Age and location: You are aged 18 or older and currently live in the UK
- Language: You are a fluent English speaker
- Relationship: You are the partner (specifically in a relationship or married) of someone who received a gynaecological cancer diagnosis at least 12 months ago
Important Eligibility Notes:
Because of the sensitive nature of the discussions, you will likely not be eligible to participate if your partner is currently receiving palliative care, if your partner has passed away, or if you are currently receiving psychological support for your own mental health.
What is Involved?
- Optional pre-interview: You will be offered a brief, informal pre-interview meeting (via email or online) to check your suitability and answer any questions you have
- An online interview: You will complete a private, semi-structured online interview lasting approximately 45 to 90 minutes to share your personal reflections and experiences
- Flexibility and withdrawal: Participation is entirely voluntary. If you decide to change your mind after the interview, you can withdraw your data without giving a reason at any point within a two-week window following your interview
- Compensation: In recognition of your time, you can choose to receive a £20 Love2Shop voucher, or have a £20 donation made to one of three selected cancer charities on your behalf
Confidentiality and Privacy
Your privacy is strictly protected. All interviews will be recorded and transcribed for analysis using pseudonyms. No identifiable information (such as your name, specific hospital names, or precise dates) will be included in the final doctoral thesis or any future scientific publications. All data will be stored securely on a password-protected university OneDrive system.
How to participate
Your lived experience is incredibly valuable. By sharing your story, you can help shape future recommendations for healthcare professionals, support organisations, and family services across the UK.
To learn more or to discuss your eligibility, please contact the lead researcher directly:
Contact: Lara Pope, Doctoral Clinical Psychology Student
University: University of Hertfordshire
Email: lp24abe@herts.ac.uk
