Experts from the University’s College of Health, Wellbeing and Lifesciences and the world-leading Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) have identified several key factors that could help improve outcomes for cancer patients and save the NHS money.
Situated at the heart of the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre is a leading centre for physical activity research and innovation. It brings together researchers from a range of disciplines, working alongside communities, charities and the health technology sector to transform lives through innovations that help people move.
Their response to the government focuses on five key factors:
- Recognising physical inactivity as a critical risk factor for cancer
- Embedding prehabilitation and rehabilitation programmes into cancer care pathways
- Investing in community-based models of cancer healthcare delivery
- Reducing health inequalities by making cancer care more accessible and appropriate for underserved populations
- Harnessing innovation to improve the use of health data, tackle inequalities and improve cancer outcomes for all patients
Professor Rob Copeland, Director of the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, said: “I welcome this opportunity to contribute our expertise to help shape a national cancer plan that prioritises prevention, tackles inequalities, and embeds physical activity into healthcare.
“We know there are multiple risk factors for cancer and that physical inactivity is a critical issue that we must address if we are to reduce cancer rates and improve health outcomes.
“Our research shows that we must fundamentally shift our perspective to see movement and physical activity not as an optional extra but as an essential part of everyday life that should be accessible to all.”
Researchers from the University’s Centre for Applied Health and Social Care Research have also contributed to the response including experts in breast cancer, radiotherapy and health[PH1] inequalities.
Additional areas of focus highlighted in the response include:
- Improving breast cancer screening uptake, particularly in areas with higher proportions of Asian and Black heritage women.
- Addressing disparities in outcomes for women of colour who tend to present with later-stage disease and experience worse radiotherapy side effects.
- Improving patient experiences during breast cancer radiotherapy including improved preparation resources, personalised support, and innovations to enhance comfort and reduce radiation exposure to healthy tissues.
- Designing and developing culturally appropriate patient resources and novel screening/treatment technologies alongside those communities.
Heidi Probst, Professor of Radiotherapy and Oncology at Sheffield Hallam, said: "Through our research at Hallam, we engage with patients who have undergone radiotherapy for breast cancer, and it is clear there is a pressing need for improvements in treatment experience. This isn’t simply about kinder approaches and reducing side effects as a nice-to-have - it's about delivering care that is truly person-centred and supports an empowered patient every step of the way."
Heidi spent 14-years as a therapeutic radiographer in the NHS before moving into research. She led the SuPPORT 4 All project alongside a team of health experts and designers from Sheffield Hallam to design and develop a bra that can be worn during radiotherapy for breast cancer to improve accuracy of treatment and help patients maintain dignity during treatment.
Professor Neil Bricklebank, Associate Dean for Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange, in the College of Health Wellbeing and Lifesciences, said: “Cancer affects one-in-two people in their lifetime with record numbers of people in the UK being diagnosed and treated for cancer. Ground-breaking research at Sheffield Hallam, in physical activity and healthcare technology, is leading to improvements in the care and recovery of patients who are suffering from this life-changing condition, and we welcome the opportunity to contribute our expertise to the National Cancer Care Plan.”
Professor Toni Schwarz, Executive Dean of the College of Health, Wellbeing and Lifesciences, added: “We have world-leading academics who are committed to working collaboratively with external partners to provide solutions and progress thinking about real world health and wellbeing challenges. Our work engages both industry partners and students in this process.”
Find out more about the University’s research and the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre.
