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

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.

This studentship involves analysing electronic health records, survey and interview data. We are seeking a candidate with experience in quantitative and qualitative analysis, or expertise in one with a willingness to develop the other. Training will be provided to support skill development in areas such as epidemiology, data science, behavioural science and health psychology.

Applicants should ideally have a first class or upper second-class degree in a health sciences subject, alongside a postgraduate qualification or equivalent research experience. The role involves working with an interdisciplinary team across Surrey, UCL, Northumbria University Newcastle and the Royal Marsden Hospital, requiring strong communication, project management skills, and a proactive, self-motivated approach.

Promoting equality, diversity, inclusion, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.