PROSPER (Depression in Cancer Patients) Study

Many patients receiving care for cancer experience mental health difficulties like depression. These difficulties can be helped with psychological therapies.

People who seek psychological support for these difficulties often face long waiting times before starting treatment, during which their mental health may worsen.

We have developed a Therapy Preparation Intervention that will aim to support cancer patients who are waiting for psychological treatment. Please note, your mental health difficulties do not need to be directly related to your cancer diagnosis (eg if they’re related to a relationship breakdown, but were treated for cancer successfully 20-30 years ago, you’re still eligible)

The intervention includes a session at the start of the wait, involving an explanation of what can help people gain the most benefit from psychological therapy sessions, goal setting, and automated text reminders of the session’s content until psychological therapy begins.

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of such an intervention and assess whether a therapy preparation intervention combined with standard care is more effective than standard care alone.

To take part in the study, please complete the study specific form on askmyGP. If you’re unable to complete this, then please contact reception in the usual way.