RecruitingObservational

Exploring and understanding the support and care needs of people living with advanced bowel cancer and their carers

Living with advanced bowel cancer can cause many physical, emotional, and practical challenges, and it often deeply affects loved ones who provide care. The ACRE study, run by the University of Liverpool, aims to understand what help and support people really need day to day. Researchers are inviting adults with advanced bowel cancer and their carers in Cheshire and Merseyside to take part. Participation involves completing short questionnaires about your health, daily symptoms, and support needs. A smaller group of patients and carers will also be invited to take part in an interview, which can be done in person, over the phone, or online. The study does not test any new drugs or treatments. Instead, your feedback will help researchers and NHS teams improve local care and make sure future patients and families get the right support at the right time.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Liverpool

Enrolment target

211

Start

01 Sep 2026

Estimated completion

01 Feb 2028

Colorectal cancer

What is this study about?

Advanced bowel cancer (also called colorectal cancer) can impact many areas of life, from physical energy and comfort to emotional well-being, work, and finances. Family members and friends who help look after someone also face significant pressure, often without knowing where to find the right support.

Right now, health services do not have a complete picture of what support is available across Cheshire and Merseyside, or whether people find it easy to access. In some cases, a lack of local community support may mean people end up going to hospital when they might have preferred to be cared for at home. The ACRE study was created to change this by mapping out what patients and carers truly need.

By listening directly to people living with advanced bowel cancer, their family carers, and local healthcare staff, the research team aims to identify where care is working well and where there are gaps. The ultimate goal is to help NHS services design better, more personal support programmes so that no one in the region has to face advanced bowel cancer feeling unsupported.

Key takeaways

The ACRE study explores the support and care needs of people with advanced bowel cancer and their carers.
Open to adults living in Cheshire and Merseyside.
Involves filling in short questionnaires, with an optional one-to-one interview.
There are no tests, treatments, or clinic visits required.
Your feedback will help improve local NHS support services for future families.

Who may be eligible?

You may be able to join this study if you are 18 or older, live in Cheshire or Merseyside, and have been diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer. This includes people whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body, as well as people whose cancer cannot be removed with an operation because surgery would be too risky for their health.

Adult carers aged 18 and over who look after an eligible patient can also take part. You do not need to be a full-time or paid carer; family members, partners, and friends who provide unpaid help and support are very welcome to join.

You will not be able to participate if you are under 18, live outside the Cheshire and Merseyside area, or do not have advanced bowel cancer (or are not caring for someone who does).

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am aged 18 or over.
I live in Cheshire or Merseyside.
I have advanced bowel cancer, OR I care for someone who does.
My cancer has spread or cannot safely be operated on (if joining as a patient).
I am happy to share my thoughts in a questionnaire or interview.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in this study does not involve any changes to your normal medical care, and you will not be asked to take any new medications. If you join as a patient, you will be asked to fill in two questionnaires about your symptoms, everyday health, and the support you receive. Carers will fill in one questionnaire about their own needs and experiences.

A smaller group of about 20 patients and 20 carers will also be invited to do a one-to-one interview to talk in more depth. This conversation can happen face to face, by phone, or online via video call, depending on what suits you best. You can take a break, skip any question, or stop at any time. For most people, taking part only takes a small amount of time to complete the survey.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part will not give you any direct medical benefit, but sharing your story could help make NHS support services much better for future patients and families. The study is very low risk physically. However, reflecting on your illness or the challenges of caring can sometimes bring up difficult or upsetting feelings. You are entirely free to take a break, skip questions, or leave the study at any time without giving a reason, and doing so will never affect your usual medical care.

Locations (6)

Clatterbridge Cancer Centre
Approximate
Wirral, England
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Liverpool, England
Warrington Hospital (site)
City only
Warrington, England
Arrowe Park Hospital (site)
City only
Wirral, England
Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Chester, England
Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Unverified
Prescot, England

Common questions

Will taking part affect my current cancer treatment?

No. This is an observational study based on surveys and conversations. Your routine NHS treatments, medicines, and appointments will continue exactly as normal.

Do I have to travel to hospital to participate?

No. You can complete the questionnaires at home. If you are invited to an interview, it can take place over the phone or online so you do not have to travel.

What happens if I feel too tired or unwell to finish?

Your comfort and health always come first. You can complete the survey in your own time, take breaks, skip questions, or stop whenever you want.

Can my carer take part even if I choose not to?

Yes. Carers of people who meet the medical criteria can take part to share their own experiences, even if the person they care for decides not to join.

Will my answers be kept private?

Yes. All information you share will be kept confidential and stored securely in line with strict university and NHS data privacy rules.

How to find out more

Dheepa Nair

dnair@liverpool.ac.uk +44 7552787168 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.