Welcome

You will have been directed to this website because you are someone who has experienced the challenges faced when a relative or significant person to you was diagnosed with cancer of an unknown primary. I would like to thank you for taking the time to find out about my PhD research project and for considering sharing your own experiences.  Please use the menu above to find out about what the research involves and about me. I welcome all enquiries and interest. If you would like to take part, or to find out more, please use the contact me page.

 

Cancer of unknown primary is diagnosed when a secondary cancer is found but, despite initial investigation, the primary source of the cancer can not be found. Secondary cancers, also known as metastasis, occur when cancer cells break from the original site, where the cancer first started growing, and travel to a different part of the body.  The secondary cancer is made up of the same type of cancer cells as the primary cancer, not the cells in the new part of the body. If it is unclear where the primary cancer is, finding the right treatment can be more complex. Cancer of unknown primary is not an uncommon cancer in the UK, however many people only become aware of it if it affects them or someone they know. I am interested in the experiences of a cancer of unknown primary diagnosis on the person’s family.

 

For further information about this research please contact me using the ‘contact me‘ page. 

Further information and support for those affected by cancer of unknown primary can be found at:

Cancer of Unknown Primary Foundation: CupFoundJo

Macmillan Cancer Support: Cancer of unknown primary – Macmillan Cancer Support

Cancer Research UK: Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) | Cancer Research UK