Focus group: Help us spotlight rare and less common cancers

Share your experiences of a rare or less common cancer and help shape a Cancer Research UK report that aims to increase understanding and inform future work in this area.

Summary

Type of activity

Focus group

Organised by

Cancer Research UK

Location

Online

Time commitment

One-off activity

One 2-hour online focus group on Thursday 15 October 2026.

You can express interest in either of these time slots:

  • 10am to 12pm

  • 5.30pm to 7.30pm

One session will be selected based on availability and interest. Participants will be informed of the final time in advance.

Payment and expenses

As per Cancer Research Uk’s payments policy, participants will receive:

  • £50 for taking part

  • £5 online meeting allowance

This includes time spent preparing for the session.

Looking for

People who have been affected by a rare or less common cancer, including:

  • People with a diagnosis of a rare or less common cancer

  • Family members, carers and loved ones

This opportunity is open to people affected by all cancer types except breast, bowel, lung and prostate cancer.

We are keen to hear from people with a range of backgrounds and experiences.

Closing date

Friday 25 September 2026

About the opportunity

About the project

Rare and less common cancers account for almost half of all cancer diagnoses. While each cancer type may affect relatively few people, together they impact many lives.

People affected by rare and less common cancers can face unique challenges, including delays in diagnosis and fewer opportunities to benefit from research advances.

Cancer Research UK is working with Cancer52, an alliance of more than 100 cancer charities, to develop a report that highlights:

  • Progress made across rare and less common cancers

  • Ongoing challenges people face

  • Differences in outcomes and experiences

The report will help strengthen the evidence base for future research, influencing and campaigning work. It is expected to be published in April 2027.

What you will do

If selected, you will take part in a 2-hour online focus group.

During the session, we will ask for your views on:

  • What matters most to people affected by rare and less common cancers

  • Key findings and data we have gathered

  • Any gaps or issues you think should be included in the report

Who we're looking for

We would like to hear from people who have personal experience of a rare or less common cancer, either as:

  • Someone diagnosed with cancer

  • A family member, friend or carer

Whether you've been affected by cervical cancer, lymphoma, sarcoma or another rare or less common cancer, we'd like to hear your perspective.

Why get involved?

Your experiences will help us ensure the report reflects the realities of living with and being affected by rare and less common cancers.

We'll use your feedback to

  • Make sure the report includes issues that matter most to people affected by cancer

  • Identify important gaps in our evidence and understanding

  • Shape how we communicate about rare and less common cancers

  • Help create messaging that is relevant, clear and meaningful

Your insights will help us maximise the impact of this work and improve understanding of these cancers in the future.

Support offered

  • A friendly and supportive online discussion environment

  • Clear information before the session

  • Payment for your time and contribution

  • A contact person available if you have questions before taking part

If you have any questions about this opportunity or would like more information, please contact:

How to take part

To register your interest, complete the expression of interest form.

Please note that places are limited. We cannot guarantee a place for everyone who applies.

What happens next

We are aiming to recruit 8 to 10 people for the focus group.

After the closing date, we will review expressions of interest and select a group of participants who best meet the opportunity criteria and provide a mix of experiences and backgrounds.

We will contact everyone who applies to let them know the outcome.

Register your interest