PATIENTS at a cancer centre in North Wales took part in a pioneering national study that measures whether online support can improve quality of life following cancer treatment.

The CLASP study was offered to patients who had finished their main treatment for prostate, breast or bowel within the last 10 years. It also included patients undergoing active surveillance for prostate cancer.

The participants had to follow a six-month online programme, titled Renewed, which gave advice on exercise, stress reduction, weight management, diet and tiredness. They then answered a questionnaire on whether they feel the programme has helped to improve their quality of life.

Dr Nikhil Ooman, consultant clinical oncologist at the North Wales Cancer Treatment Centre in Glan Clwyd Hospital, said the programme aims to give cancer patients the ongoing support they need after treatment.

“As Principal Investigator we were really pleased to be taking part in the CLASP study in the North Wales Cancer Treatment Centre," he said.

“We recognise the importance of managing short and long lasting side effects of cancer treatment of our patients and the impact that it has on quality of life following treatment.”

About 2,500 people in the UK took part in the study, which finished at the end of October.

Lynne Grundy, associate director of Research and Innovation said: “We are pleased to be supporting CLASP as best recruiters in Wales for people following cancer treatment.

“We are committed to being able to offer our local population the opportunity to take part in research with committed dedicated research teams involving primary care and clinicians working together.”