Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust sponsors innovative study on the 1939 Cancer Act in the digital age
Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) is proud to sponsor a pioneering research project that will examine the relevance and effectiveness of the 1939 Cancer Act in today’s digital era.
The Cancer Act was originally introduced to protect patients from misleading claims about cancer treatments, through restricting advertising. In today’s rapidly changing digital environment, information about cancer is widely available online and accessed across social media platforms that cross national borders, which means the way health information is shared has changed dramatically.
The study, led by Dr Priya Joshi, Consultant Oncologist at RCHT, will explore how patients source information about cancer diagnoses and treatment plans, with a particular focus on the role of digital media in meeting information needs. It will examine public and professional perspectives on these aspects as well as alternative treatments and the accessibility of private healthcare.
Dr Priya Joshi, Consultant Oncologist at RCHT commented “The 1939 Cancer Act was designed to protect patients from false claims at a time when information was far less accessible. Today, with the internet and social media shaping health decisions, it’s vital to understand whether this legislation still meets its objective of protecting patients, or what reform might be beneficial for patients.”
Dr Priya Joshi, Consultant Oncologist at RCHT commented “The 1939 Cancer Act was designed to protect patients from false claims at a time when information was far less accessible. Today, with the internet and social media shaping health decisions, it’s vital to understand whether this legislation still meets its objective of protecting patients, or what reform might be beneficial for patients.”
As the sponsor of this important study, RCHT is committed to ensuring that cancer care and patient safety remain at the forefront of policy discussions in an evolving digital landscape.
In a wider arm of the study sponsored by University of Warwick and Warwick Business School, the study also surveys professionals in the pharmaceutical industry and private care providers for their views.
How to Take Part:
Individuals interested in contributing to this research can access the online survey. It is open to:
- Patients in England and Wales who have been treated for cancer within the last three years and are over the age of 18
- Healthcare professionals involved in cancer care, who consult with patients affected by cancer at least once a month or more frequently
Your input will help us understand the interaction between this historic law, modern technology, and current cancer care information availability in the UK.
