Promoting Education and Research Knowledge (PERK)

THE PROBLEM Cancer of the oesophagus (food pipe) is an aggressive type of cancer, and has a low survival rate. It is usually diagnosed at a late stage, often due to a lack of knowledge of underlying symptoms which can be mild, including heartburn, bloating and problems swallowing. Oesophageal cancer is not as well known as some other cancers since it occurs less often. However, cases are expected to double in Ireland within the next 20 years, so there is an urgent need to improve public knowledge of oesophageal cancer. OUR PROJECT Our project aims to develop communication tools for the public to learn more about oesophageal cancer, and how they can become actively involved in cancer research. We will work with patients and the public to create educational materials including a website, posters, pamphlets, and public information seminars to highlight current cutting-edge research in oesophageal cancer ongoing at St James's Hospital. The website and public events will allow people to directly contact us, so they can ask questions, give feedback on studies, or volunteer to be involved in the design of our future research programme. SUMMARY Our overall goal is to improve public awareness and encourage early detection of oesophageal cancer, by providing a platform for the public to interact with our research team. This project will allow the public to learn about, have a say in, and become more actively involved in cancer research, and allow us to develop a more patient-centred approach to our future research.

Award Date

27 September 2018

Award Value

€36,965.00

Principal Investigator

Professor Margaret Dunne

Host Institution

Trinity College Dublin

Scheme

Knowledge Exchange and Dissemination Scheme