MRC Cancer Research Public and Patient Discussion Groups

Overview

The Medical Research Council (MRC) invests public money in research which aims to improve human health. Living healthily for longer concerns every one of us, no matter our background, upbringing or the communities where we live or work. The MRC funds laboratory research, development of new treatments including vaccines and drugs, and research with people, such as clinical trials and population studies.

Cancer research is one of the areas that receives money to study why cancers appear, how to treat them and how to improve patients’ lives.

MRC wants to optimise its impact on cancer research by ensuring it is informed by a range of views and experiences, including members of the public, patients, carers, and the groups and organisations that represent them, as well as scientists and clinicians. 

Can you help us?

We want to hear from adults who are:

• Cancer patients (current or former)
• Family members, friends, or carers of someone diagnosed with cancer
• Members of the public

You will take part in one of three 2-hour online discussions to help us develop our future priorities in cancer research.

What will be involved?

The discussion sessions will be held on Zoom and will last for two hours, including a 10-minute break. Each group will include 5-7 participants and will be supported by a professional facilitator and MRC staff.

We will start by explaining the purpose of the session and ways of working, followed by introductions and a presentation about the MRC and its role in cancer research. We will then have a guided discussion to explore your views on cancer research and how the MRC can maximise the impact of the research that it funds. 

For the purpose of note keeping, the conversation will be videorecorded, but no identifying details, such as names will be included in subsequent reports, ensuring that the participation remains confidential. The videorecording will remain private and be deleted within 30 days. Participants will also be asked to treat any content or views shared during the event as confidential.

To facilitate a balanced view on all conditions, this discussion will take a broad approach and will not focus on any particular cancer type.

Will I be paid?

You will be compensated for your time attending the online discussion group in the form of £55 (£25 per hour plus £5 for internet data expenses). See details about our guidance on payment of public partners here. This includes a link to information on the potential implications for tax and benefits.

Do I need any particular skills or knowledge to participate?

No, you do not need to have any particular skills or a scientific background. We are looking for people who are willing to talk about their views and/or experiences of cancer, and to listen to others’ views. You will need access to a quiet space with a reliable internet connection. We can demonstrate how to use Zoom if you are not familiar with it.

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to enable people who may face barriers to participate fully in the discussion groups. If you would like to discuss this in advance, please contact us at: cancer@mrc.ukri.org

How will the discussion be used?

Notes from the discussion will be written and these will be used alongside content gathered from our wider consultation to inform MRC’s future priorities in cancer research. No names or identifying details will be included in the report, participation will remain confidential.

What do I do now?

If you are interested in sharing your views about how MRC supports cancer research, please register your interest in participating in a discussion group through this form.

The discussion sessions will take place on:

• Wednesday 6 November 2024: 2-4pm
• Friday 8 November 2024: 10am-12pm
• Thursday 14 November 2024: 6-8 pm

At this stage we are inviting expressions of interest, so we can select a diverse group that includes people with a broad range of experiences.

The form will be open until Sunday 20 October 2024 23:59h. We will let you know whether or not you have been selected to participate by 29 October 2024.