Are You Aged 18–39 and Living Beyond Cancer?
Researchers at the University of Surrey are inviting young adults who have completed cancer treatment to take part in a research study exploring a new group-based programme designed to support body image after cancer.
The programme brings together physical activity, self-compassion and peer support, led by a specialist Physical Activity Trainer and a Clinical Psychologist.
The research team wants to understand whether this approach is feasible and acceptable for young adults after cancer treatment, and your feedback could help shape future support for young adults living beyond cancer.
What does the Programme Involve?
If you take part, you will attend four group sessions at the University of Surrey campus in Guildford.
Each session will last approximately 2½ hours and will take place every two weeks:
- 5 September: 4.00–6.30pm
- 19 September: 4.00–6.30pm
- 3 October: 4.00–6.30pm
- 17 October: 4.00–6.30pm
The sessions will involve a group of around 4–8 young adults living beyond cancer.
The programme will include physical activity, including:
- Group walking
- Stretching-based exercise
- Shadow boxing
- Movement to music
- Self-compassion and peer support
Sessions will also include discussions and art-based activities exploring self-compassion and body image.
You will also have access to online resources to support your participation, including self-compassion exercises, information about physical activity and guidance to help you explore and engage in activities independently.
Who Can Take Part?
You may be eligible if you:
- Are aged 18–39
- Have completed your primary cancer treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy or stem cell transplant, and are not currently receiving active treatment
- Have had a cancer experience that has negatively affected how you feel about your body
- Do not have metastatic cancer
- Are able to safely take part in light-to-moderate physical activity, based on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q+) or advice from a healthcare professional if needed
- Are able to travel to the University of Surrey campus in Guildford to attend all four sessions
What Would Taking Part Involve?
If you choose to participate, you will be asked to:
- Complete an online consent form and provide some demographic information
- Complete a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q+)
- Have a short, informal telephone call with a member of the research team
- Attend the four group intervention sessions
- Complete questionnaires before and after the programme about body image and quality of life
- Take part in a post-intervention interview to share your experience of the programme
A Thank You for Taking Part
- The research team will provide digital Love2Shop vouchers to reimburse reasonable travel expenses for attending the in-person sessions, up to a maximum total value of £200 per participant across the study.
- Reasonable travel expenses include standard-class public transport fares or car mileage for travel to and from the study sessions.
- You will also receive a £25 gift voucher after completing the post-intervention interview.
Taking Part is Voluntary
Taking part in the study is completely voluntary. You can withdraw at any time without giving a reason and without consequence.
Please note that any data collected before you withdraw will be retained, anonymised and included in the research analysis. This is because removing data could affect the integrity and completeness of the research findings. Once data has been anonymised, it will no longer be possible to identify individual participants and therefore individual data cannot be withdrawn or deleted.
The project has been reviewed and approved by the University of Surrey UEC (3743).
Why is this Research Important?
Body image can be affected by cancer and its treatment, and young adults may have particular experiences and challenges while living beyond cancer.
This study is exploring whether combining physical activity, self-compassion and peer support could be a helpful and acceptable approach for young adults who have completed cancer treatment.
By taking part and sharing your experience, you can help the research team understand what works well and what could be improved when developing body image interventions for this population.
Interested in Taking Part?
If you would like to find out more or register your interest, visit: Register your interest – Body Image Study
If you have any questions about the study, please contact Sairah Bi at sb01908@surrey.ac.uk.
Please note: Registering your interest does not mean you are automatically enrolled in the study. The research team will provide further information about participation and confirm eligibility.
