Calling Parents with Tongue Cancer: Share Your Story to

Help Improve Support in Aotearoa

Kia ora, my name is Lauren Garner. I am a Master of Health Psychology student at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. For my thesis, I am researching how parents with dependent children experience psychosocial support while facing a diagnosis and treatment for tongue cancer. This project is supervised by Dr Ally Gibson, an experienced cancer support researcher, with consultation from the Regional Head and Neck Cancer Service at Wellington Hospital and Dr Swee Tan (ONZM MBBS FRACS PhD) at the Regional Head and Neck and Skull Base Surgery Service at Hutt Hospital.

Being diagnosed with tongue cancer can be life-changing, especially for parents who are also caring for young children. My research is about exploring how parents find and receive support, whether from healthcare professionals, support services, friends, whānau or the wider community. The aim is to better understand what support is out there, what is helpful, and where gaps may exist. Findings will be shared with support and health services so that future practice can be improved for families going through similar experiences.

Who can take part?

I am looking for people who:

 Have been diagnosed with and treated for head and neck cancer (specifically tongue cancer) in the last 10 years, and

 Are the parent or guardian of at least one dependent child under 18.

If you choose to take part, I will meet with you for a relaxed conversation, either in person (if you live in the Wellington region), or online using Zoom. Interviews will take between 45 and 60 minutes and can take place wherever you feel comfortable. You are welcome to have a family member or support person with you.

During the interview, you will be invited to share your experiences of psychological, social and family support during your cancer journey. You decide what you want to share, and you may choose not to answer any questions or to stop the interview at any time. To acknowledge your time and contribution, you will receive a $30 gift voucher.

If you would like to be involved, please click this link to fill out the consent form and I will be in contact with you about a suitable time for a kõrero:

https://qualtricsxml37mcmw33.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cVoGFBl1U9iL1e6

If you have questions, please feel free to contact me at lauren.garner@vuw.ac.nz or my supervisor Dr Ally Gibson at ally.gibson@vuw.ac.nz

I look forward to hearing from you!

Ngā mihi nui,

Lauren Garner

Further information