Identifying and understanding inequalities in cancer treatment among people with physical disabilities: A Multi-Methods Studentship

About the Project

Background. Cancer is a leading cause of mortality in the United Kingdom. Chances for survival are improved when patients receive treatment (‘treatment receipt’), with further improvement when treatment is initiated early (shorter ‘time-to-treatment’). Unfortunately, both treatment receipt and time-to-treatment are subject to inequalities, with people from marginalised groups, such as ethnic minority groups, being up to twenty times less likely to receive treatment, and half as likely to start treatment within 31 days of diagnosis.

To date, research in the UK has focused primarily on treatment inequalities in relation to age, sex, and deprivation, with little-to-no research conducted for people with physical disabilities, who are less likely to survive cancer, and more likely to experience barriers to treatment.

Aims. The aims of this research, therefore, are to:

1. Identify which groups of people with physical disabilities experience inequalities in treatment receipt and time-to-treatment (Study 1);
2. Identify differences in cancer care experience (e.g. support from hospital staff), and the extent to which these mediate inequalities in treatment (Study 2);
3. Understand how differences in cancer care experience, and wider individual, interpersonal, service and system-level factors, produce or mitigate treatment inequalities (Study 3).

Methods. Studies 1 and 2 will comprise a series of matched cohort studies. In study 1, differences in treatment receipt and time-to-treatment will be compared, between groups of people with physical disabilities (e.g. musculoskeletal conditions, sensory conditions, limb differences, etc.) and matched cohorts, using linked datasets. In Study 2, differences in cancer care experience and the extent to which they mediate treatment inequalities will be examined, using additional linked data.

Finally, in Study 3, the mechanisms by which differences in cancer care experience and wider factors lead to treatment inequalities will be explored through interviews with patients, family members and relevant health and social care professionals.

Supervisors: Dr Robert Kerrison, Dr Natalie Gil and Dr Anna Cox

Entry requirements

Open to candidates who pay UK/home rate fees. Starting in October 2026.

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for our PhD programme.

Candidate profile

This studentship will involve the analysis of electronic health records, survey data and interview data. As such, we are looking for a candidate with experience analysing both quantitative and qualitative datasets. Expertise in one will be considered, but the candidate will need to be willing to learn the other. Internal and external training opportunities will be provided to support the student develop new skills in epidemiology, data science, behavioural science and/or health psychology.

Ideally, the candidate should have a first class / upper second-class degree in a health sciences subject and a postgraduate degree in a related discipline (or equivalent research experience).

The candidate will work with an interdisciplinary team of researchers and clinicians across Surrey, UCL, Northumbria University Newcastle and Royal Marsden Hospital. As such, excellent communication and project management skills will also be required for this studentship.

In addition, the candidate should be self-motivated and committed to delivering the research to the highest standards.

Promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion is at the heart of the University of Surrey. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and actively encourage applications from people with diverse career paths, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted via the Health Sciences PhD programme page. In place of a research proposal, you should upload a document stating the title of the project that you wish to apply for and the name of the relevant supervisor.