Do you experience anxiety about your cancer surveillance scans?
Who are the researchers? This study is being undertaken by Johnathan Hewis (Senior Lecturer in Medical Imaging, Charles Sturt University), Shayne Chau (Senior Lecturer in Diagnostic Radiography, Charles Sturt University) and Matt Hoffmann (A/Senior District Manager, Mid North Coast Cancer Institute). Find out more about the research team here.
Why is this research being done? ‘Scanxiety’ is the anxiety experienced by cancer patients associated with their diagnostic medical imaging procedures as part of the cancer journey. This study aims to deepen our understanding of ‘scanxiety’ among cancer patients in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia, focusing on your experience, well-being, coping mechanisms and your care needs.
What are the expected outcomes? Your participation will increase the understanding of ‘scanxiety’ to help reduce scan-related distress. The findings may inform future health practitioner education and practice in Australia.
Who can participate? We are seeking adults who experience anxiety when undergoing surveillance scans to monitor the progression or recurrence of cancer (such as x-ray, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and nuclear medicine) living in regional, rural or remote Australia.
What does the study involve? Participation involves two study arms. You can take part in both or just one arm of the study.
ARM 1: Two questionnaires before and after your surveillance scan, which you complete and email back to the researchers.
ARM 2: A semi-structured interview conducted online at a convenient time for you.
You can complete either or both arms online remotely, you do not need to attend face to face to participate.
Interested? For more information please refer to the Navigating Scanxiety Participant Information Sheet or you can contact research team directly:
Johnathan Hewis via telephone (02) 6582 9346 or email jhewis@csu.edu.au OR Shayne Chau via telephone (02) 6933 2284 or email schau@csu.edu.au
Alternatively you can complete the contact form within this website.
Charles Sturt University Research Ethics Committee has approved this project. The protocol number for this study is H24947. If you have any concerns or reservations about the ethical conduct of this project, you may contact the Committee on Tel: (02) 6933 4213 or via email at ethics@csu.edu.au
Any issues you raise will be treated in confidence and fully investigated.