Public Participation Involvement and Engagement in Cancer Research

Patients and the public have a history of participation and advocacy in cancer research, generally for the benefit of future cancer patients rather than themselves. Participation is necessary if drugs and treatments are to be properly tested. Advocacy adds a unique perspective that enables the integration of two valuable and powerful viewpoints, the experiential disease and treatment knowledge, needs and priorities of the patient, and the professional disease and treatment knowledge and priorities of the researcher or clinician. This synergistic combination is a key enabler for focused and relevant diagnostic and treatment advances in cancer research. However, recruitment of the right numbers and profile of patients and the public into participation and advocacy remains a challenge. This book seeks to take the mystery out of participation and advocacy in cancer research trials by explaining the whole process, in lay terms, in the hope that more people will be encouraged to participate and become advocates.

Ray Gardner was born in 1947. He worked at Royal Dutch Shell for 40 years in London, The Hague, and Houston. He retired in 2005 and then studied for a science degree at The Open University.

In 2018, Ray was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis and prostate cancer. Following successful treatment, he joined the Patient/Carer Advisory Group and the Senior Adult Oncology Programme at the Royal Marsden as a patient advocate. He then became involved in advocacy at the Institute of Cancer Research. He has also participated in a cancer research trial.

Ray is married, with two daughters, a son-in-law and two grandchildren.

Customer Reviews

5.0

1 reviews

Emmie

A must read for anyone who cares about the future of Cancer research Having watched close friends and family members face cancer, I found this book to be both eye-opening and empowering. This isn't just another academic book; it's a call to action for everyday people like me and you to understand our role in shaping the future of cancer research. Gardner writes with clarity and compassion, breaking down complex ideas about public involvement into something deeply human and accessible. He explains why it's not just scientists and doctors who matter in this fight, it's also patients, caregivers, advocates, and anyone who believes their voice should be heard. What struck me most is how much power we have, even if we've never worn a lab coat. Gardner shows how patient experiences and community engagement can influence research priorities, funding decisions, and even how clinical trials are designed. Whether you're someone who has personally battled cancer, supported a loved one through treatment, or simply wants to understand how we can do better as a society, this book will open your eyes—and your heart. It's informative without being overwhelming, and inspiring without being preachy. I encourage anyone with a stake in the health and wellbeing of their community (which is really all of us) to read this. You’ll come away feeling more informed, more empowered, and maybe even ready to get involved yourself. I know I am.

Write a Review

5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star

Your post will be reviewed and published soon. Multiple reviews on one book from the same IP address will be deleted.