Shape the future of cancer research by advocating in the REDEFINE Study
Type of activity: Patient advocate
Organised by: The Institute of Cancer Research, Clinical Trials and Statistics Unit (ICR-CTSU)
Location: Online, anywhere or In-person: Sutton, London
Time commitment: 15 – 20 hours in total across the study duration from (approx.) May 2025 – November 2026.
Payment and Expenses: Reimbursement for time and expenses will be provided, rates in line with CRUK guidance.
Looking for: Two patient advocates to join an existing team of two. Experience as a cancer patient advocate, and/or has taken part in a cancer clinical trial or chosen not to participate. This opportunity is open to anyone affected by cancer across the UK, regardless of cancer type.
Closing date: Thursday 19 June
About the REDEFINE study
Cancer clinical trials often require participants to have extra tests and assessments which involve extra hospital visits. This can be inconvenient for patients and add pressure on NHS staff. Since COVID-19, healthcare has changed to include video calls, home testing kits and other remote methods, but trials need to keep up.
Many people with cancer find it hard to join clinical trials due to travel, finances, caring responsibilities, or other barriers. The REDEFINE Study is not a clinical trial itself. Instead, it aims to understand how trials can become more flexible and accessible for everyone, no matter their situation.
The study involves interviews, focus groups, and workshops with people affected by cancer, their caregivers, and healthcare professionals. It will explore how technology, such as video appointments, online questionnaires, GP blood tests, and home treatment kits, can help people participate more easily.
By gathering views from a diverse range of people, the REDEFINE Study aims to discover more effective ways to conduct cancer trials, enhance access for underserved groups, support the NHS, and accelerate progress in cancer treatment. Cancer clinical trials often require participants to have extra tests and assessments, which involve extra hospital visits. This can be inconvenient for patients and add pressure on NHS staff. Since COVID-19, healthcare has changed to include video calls, home testing kits, and other remote methods, but trials need to keep up.
Join the Steering Group
The REDEFINE Study team is looking for people to join a steering group to help guide the study. As a member, you’ll:
- Review interview and workshop questions
- Help make study materials clear and patient-friendly
- Share ideas on how to include people from all backgrounds
- Advise on how to share findings with the public
- Participation includes online or in-person meetings and email feedback.
Your input will help ensure the study reflects real patient needs and diverse experiences, making cancer research better for everyone.
Next steps
If you're interested in becoming a patient advocate or have questions, please contact Yemi Akala at redefine@icr.ac.uk, and they’ll send you an expression of interest form or arrange a chat.
Support for New Advocates
New members will be invited to an onboarding meeting to:
- Learn more about the study
- Understand your role
- Meet the team
- Ask any questions
External Opportunities (Organised by Other Organisations)
In addition to the patient involvement opportunities we run at Cancer Research UK, we also share opportunities from other charities and organisations.
These external opportunities are organised independently by other groups or researchers. If you're interested in taking part, you'll need to contact and work with them directly.
We’d love to hear about your experience with any external organisations. If you’d like to share feedback, please email us at involvement@cancer.org.uk.