The BEYOND Cancer research group aims to understand the impact of the cancer diagnosis and treatments on the long-term physical and mental health of the growing numbers of cancer survivors in the population.
The BEYOND Cancer group, established in 2015, investigates the long-term physical and mental health outcomes of cancer survivors in the UK. With over 3 million cancer survivors in the UK alone and tens of millions worldwide, this population continues to grow as cancer survival improves.
A cancer diagnosis profoundly impacts an individual's life. Beyond the risk of recurrence or second cancers, survivors face various long-term health challenges. Many cancer therapies have known toxic side effects, and several newer treatments have been associated with increased long-term health risks. These impacts can be wide-ranging, affecting:
- Cardiovascular health
- Bone density
- Kidney function
- Immune system response
- Respiratory health
- Sexual and reproductive health
Currently, significant knowledge gaps exist regarding the magnitude of these risks, the relationship between specific treatments and later health outcomes, and which patient groups are most vulnerable to poor long-term health. Additionally, we have limited understanding of how a cancer diagnosis and/or treatment affects survivors' long-term quality of life and mental health in the UK.
Our primary research focus is therefore examining how cancer history and treatment influence both physical and mental health outcomes in the survivor population. We believe there are significant opportunities to prevent illness and mortality among cancer survivors through better risk identification and targeted prevention strategies. Our research aims to provide the evidence base needed to develop these interventions.
Our work is supported by grants from Wellcome, the Royal Society, Cancer Research UK, and the Medical Research Council.
Our previous research has mapped out a detailed picture of cardiovascular disease risks in cancer survivors, and we have shown how cancer survivorship affects a range of outcomes including fracture risks, poor mental health, risks of serious influenza, and overall quality of life (see Publications section).
Research questions we are currently investigating include:
- How do anti-cancer treatments affect cardiovascular risk?
- Do cancer survivors have poorer respiratory health than the general population?
- How does a history of cancer affect immune function and infection risks?
- Among younger women, what are the implications of a cancer diagnosis for later fertility and pregnancy outcomes?
- How is cancer survivorship associated with kidney health?
We are also engaged in methodological research that supports our applied work, including research into the optimal use of matched cohort methods in electronic health records research, and how best to define diseases and treatments using routinely collected data.
Krishnan
Bhaskaran
Professor of Statistical Epidemiology
Helena
Carreira
Assistant Professor
Kirsty
Andresen
Research Fellow
Harriet
Forbes
Assistant Professor
Matthew
Hazell
Research Student - MPhil/PhD - Epidemiology & Population Health
William
Wilson
Research Student - MPhil/PhD - Epidemiology & Population Health
Shamsudeen
Mohammed
Research Fellow
Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE)
We believe that research is strongest when shaped by the people it is designed to benefit. Our PPIE approach is guided by the principle that patients and caregivers should be meaningfully involved at every stage, from shaping the research questions to contributing to study plans, reviewing materials, and interpreting results.
“I felt inspired not only by the research you do and the yet unfunded research, but by the stories of the other patient members. I felt like I was making a valuable contribution”
– Ali K, patient advocate
Our patient group was formed in spring 2024 through an open recruitment process. The group currently includes ten members with diverse experiences across cancers, ages, backgrounds, and locations. Members include both patients and caregivers, ranging from those new to PPIE to seasoned patient advocates, bringing a wide range of perspectives and expertise.
“Engaging with people affected by cancer has been a highlight of my PhD, inspiring my research and reminding me why this work matters”
- Matt H, PhD candidate
We hold regular PPIE workshops that bring together academic researchers, practicing GPs, patients, and caregivers. These sessions provide space for collaborative discussions grounded in the realities of healthcare, helping us integrate lived experience into our research methods. Outside of workshops, members play an active role in project teams and advisory panels, influencing decisions, ensuring our research remains relevant, and keeping our objectives closely connected to lived experience.
“I found it a very rewarding session. Openness and honesty on all sides enabled frank discussions and ensured that the patient voice was recognised”
– Ray G, patient advocate
We continuously evaluate the effectiveness of patient involvement in research to inform future activities and address gaps. Alongside this, we support and empower members to understand research methods and terminology and encourage wider involvement in research.
“Our discussions always give me new insights into the patient journey, and make me think about how we communicate what we do and don’t know about long term health after cancer.”
– Liza B, GP
This article was created with members of the Beyond Cancer PPIE group.