To facilitate this, we are building an inclusive community of patient and public representatives who have been impacted by cancer in some way and who work with scientists at the University to help improve, shape and guide research.
Earlier this month, we sat down with a few members of this group to chat about why they decided to get involved in research and what they enjoy most about PPI at Oxford.
In the second interview of the series, we spoke to Hazel Beaver, who was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2018. Hazel has worked with Oxford Cancer as a PPI contributor since 2019.
Why did you decide to get involved in research?
Having had cancer treatment, I wanted to give something back to people who may be going through cancer to make their journey easier.
What do you enjoy most about being a PPI member?
Being part of a team and community that are helping researchers and scientists develop new ways to help people with cancer.
What have you found surprising about being part of research as a patient or public member?
I love the diversity of the amount of research that is going on within Oxford.
I did not know that being a PPI member would allow me to…
Meet so many incredible people! I have met some amazing researchers at Oxford who are dedicating their time and energy to finding new treatments for cancer.
Would you recommend PPI?
I would definitely recommend PPI to anyone; it’s been very rewarding, and the people are lovely.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be involved in PPI activities?
Just do it! It’s a great way to be involved in finding solutions for people with cancer.
Read more about Hazel on her profile.
To find out more about Patient and Public Involvement at Oxford Cancer, or to get involved, visit our PPI page.