Help shape the future of bladder cancer screening for veterans
Researchers are working to develop a simple, non-invasive test that could help identify the early signs of bladder cancer from a urine sample collected at home.
There is evidence that rates of bladder cancer may be increased among veteran Ammunition Technicians. Early diagnosis can make cancer easier to treat, but current investigations for bladder cancer can involve hospital visits and invasive procedures.
Before the research study begins, the team wants to hear directly from the veteran community.
Former service personnel are being invited to take part in focus groups to help researchers understand how a future screening programme should work in practice. Your experience and views could help shape how the study is designed, how veterans are approached, and what taking part should look like.
Who are the researchers looking for?
The team would particularly like to hear from:
- Former members of 321 EOD & Search Squadron and its predecessor units
- Former veteran Ammunition Technicians
- Former service personnel who have been treated for bladder cancer or another form of cancer
You do not need any scientific or medical knowledge. The researchers are interested in your experience, your views and what you believe would make a screening programme acceptable and accessible to the veteran community.
Why does this matter?
Bladder cancer can be much easier to treat when detected early. The longer-term aim of this research is to evaluate whether a simple urine test, completed at home, could provide a practical way of identifying early signs of bladder cancer without initially requiring an invasive procedure.
By contributing to this early stage of the project, veterans have an opportunity to help shape research that has been developed with the service community, rather than simply for it.
How to get involved
If you would be interested in joining a focus group or would like to know more, please contact the study team:
Please see the flyer below for further information.