Description
Gerard Mawhinney presents a research project funded by the Bone Cancer Research Trust, led by Victoria Williamson with clinical collaborators in Bath and Birmingham, exploring the psychological impact of spinal sarcoma. He explains that patients often face delayed diagnosis, long hospital stays, isolation from family and friends, major changes in appearance and mobility after surgery, and ongoing uncertainty about relapse. The study uses mixed methods, including PTSD-related questionnaires and qualitative interviews, and has recruited 15 participants so far, mostly post-treatment patients. Early themes include delayed diagnosis, fragmented care, impact on loved ones, limited psychological support, and the challenge of adjusting to life after cancer. Patients report feeling dismissed before diagnosis, unsupported when discharged home, and in need of tailored, evidence-based information and support rather than generic advice. The discussion highlights the lack of dedicated health psychology resources, the role of charities like Maggie’s, Macmillan, Bone Cancer Research Trust, and Sarcoma UK, and the idea of building a co-designed digital resource package for patients, families, and clinicians. Audience members discuss risk factors, resilience, military PTSD parallels, scan anxiety, and the need for formal psychological support not only for patients but also for surgeons and clinical teams after traumatic cases. The presentation concludes with a call to focus on survivorship, living with cancer, and expanding support systems beyond surgery and immediate treatment.
DOI: 10.1302/3114-261308