University announces innovative research partnership with cancer charity

The University of Brighton and the 4 Cancer Group have signed a four year agreement to fund a research study into the effects of the charity’s respite programme. A full-time PhD student will be recruited to undertake research to determine the perceived barrier to and benefits obtained from respite trips provided by 4 Cancer Group. The research will be used to better define the health benefits for patients and families and provide tangible evidence to augment ongoing provision of respite sporting and leisure events.

26 September 2016

Graham Precey, Chairman of the 4 Cancer Group (and also an alumnus of the University of Brighton) explained, “As a cancer respite charity with a sporting focus, we routinely fund respite days and short breaks for families recovering from cancer. We provide such services for about 750 annually with the aim of boosting this number to 1,000 people per year by the close of 2020.”

He continued, “Our respite programmes involve three basic elements, namely relaxation, exercise and altitude. Because stress is a huge aggravator for many different medical conditions, including cancer, our respite days and short-breaks are 100% focused on relaxation. Given the emerging evidence that exercise also plays its part in cancer prevention and recovery, we also want to better understand how our sporting programmes can have a positive impact. Lastly, there is new research which suggests that spending time at altitude has a positive effect of cancer incidence. The study will focus on exactly what people need to do to improve their chances of keeping cancer at bay.”

Exercise can aid cancer prevention and recovery

Short breaks for cancer families

Graham concluded “ This four year study will build on secondary research work we have recently done with Loughborough University which examined the effect of exercise in both preventing the onset of cancer and how it can help with recovery post diagnosis. Given that the ‘group’ is made up of four sporting subsidiaries focused on running, cycling, sailing and skiing, this part of the wider research study is particularly important.”

Professor Neil Ravenscroft, Director of the Brighton Doctoral College said of the relationship, “We are excited to be working with local charity 4 Cancer Group to help advance knowledge about the benefits of active respite care for those with cancer. Partnerships such as this are vital for the educational development of our students and also provide real-world insight and value, for partner organisations such as the 4 Cancer Group, and also for all of those working in the field of respite care.”

Professor Debra Humphris, Vice Chancellor of the University of Brighton said, “This is a creative and innovative partnership for both of us as the costs of running the programme will be jointly bourn by both the university and the charity over a four year term. The results will have an impact both locally and nationally as we strive to better improve the odds of recovery for people recovering from cancer.”

She added “This partnership heralds a new era for both 4 Cancer Group and University of Brighton. This is the first relationship of its kind for us and in working together, we will be completing real and tangible research that truly makes a difference into a subject that impacts so many.”