Finding My Way UK – Supporting Life After Cancer

Living with and beyond cancer can be life‑changing. While many people experience ongoing emotional challenges following diagnosis and treatment, some also report unexpected positive changes, such as a deeper appreciation of life, stronger relationships, or personal growth. These positive changes are known as benefit finding.

Researchers at Edge Hill University, in collaboration with Flinders University (Australia), are launching a new UK pilot study called Finding My Way UK, with funding from North West Cancer Research. The study explores whether a self‑guided online program can help people who have recently experienced cancer to recognise and foster these positive psychological changes.

Why is this study important?

A cancer diagnosis can significantly affect psychological wellbeing, even after curative treatment has finished. Previous research by the team has shown that encouraging benefit finding may help people adjust to life after cancer by promoting meaning, resilience, and psychological growth.

The research also aims to understand why many people seek psychological support after cancer—even when they are not experiencing high levels of anxiety or depression—and why some individuals feel they “gain something” from support programs beyond symptom reduction.

About the Finding My Way UK study

Finding My Way UK is a self‑guided online program designed for people living with or beyond curatively treated cancer. In this pilot trial, participants are randomly assigned either to immediately access the program or to a control group who will receive access later.

All participants complete questionnaires at the start of the study, at the end of the four‑week program, and again three months later. The study is conducted entirely online, allowing participants to take part from home, at a time that suits them.

As this is a pilot study, the research team aims to recruit 60 participants in total.

Who can take part?

Individuals may be eligible if they:

• Have been diagnosed with any cancer within the last 12 months

• Are currently receiving, or have completed, curative cancer treatment

• Are aged 16 years or over

• Live in the UK or Isle of Man

• Have sufficient English to use the program and provide consent

• Have internet and email access (or are willing to set up an email account with support)

Who is leading the research?

The study is being conducted as part of a PhD in Psychology by Kian Hughes, supervised by:

• Professor Nicholas J Hulbert‑Williams (Edge Hill University)

• Professor Mark J Forshaw (Edge Hill University)

• Professor Lisa Beatty (Flinders University, Australia)

How you can help

We are seeking support from organisations, charities, healthcare services, and community groups to help share information about this study.

If you would like further information, to take part, or are able to help with recruitment, please contact Kian Hughes at [email protected].

Your support could make a meaningful difference in improving psychological support for people living with and beyond cancer.