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Research
Cancer Care West has a long history of conducting and supporting research projects concerned with the medical and psychosocial aspects of cancer care. In 2012 the Cancer Care West Hardiman Scholarships were established under the auspices of the National University of Ireland, Galway, Hardiman programme to support translational and clinical research in the area of cancer biology and therapeutics at NUI Galway and University Hospital Galway. Hardiman Scholarships were awarded for research projects in the areas of Medical Oncology, Psycho Oncology and Haematological Oncology.
More recently, Cancer Care West led a research project focused on the development of a multi-disciplinary group-based survivorship intervention for those living with Multiple Myeloma. In collaboration with Galway University Hospital and the University of Galway and with funding received from the National Cancer Control Programme, this research project delivered and evaluated a novel intervention for those living with Multiple Myeloma, combining self-management and psychosocial input with structured physical exercise and peer support. Findings from this project were published in the journal BMC Pilot and Feasibility Studies and can be accessed here https://doi.org/10.1186/s40814-024-01524-1. As a direct result of this study, Cancer Care West launched a peer support group for those diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, which continues to meet bi-monthly.
Since 2021, Cancer Care West has been leading the development and dissemination of the Children Unite in Bereavement Support (CUBS) programme, a manualised and standardised bereavement support group for children aged 8-12 years, who have had a parent die from cancer. Run over eight weeks, the CUBS programme is designed to facilitate the process of grief to personal growth and incorporates psychoeducation, peer support and creative techniques, such as therapeutic storytelling, art and play. The CUBS programme is currently undergoing a feasibility study. This project received funding from the RTE Toy Show Appeal, Rethink Ireland, the National Cancer Control Programme and Galway County Council.

Currently, Cancer Care West is one of 13 European partners involved in the MELODIC project, funded under the EU4HEALTH programme. The MELODIC project aims to promote mental health and wellbeing of young adults (18 – 35 years) with cancer and their family members, by improving screening, early detection and efficient person-centred management of mental health needs during the first-year post-cancer diagnosis. For more information on the MELODIC project and regular up-dates on its findings, see the project’s website https://melodic.turkuamk.fi.


Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HADEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Cancer Care West remains committed to supporting any relevant research projects in psychosocial cancer care.