HEALTH BEHAVIOURS OF WOMEN WITH A PAST OR PRESENT 

BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSIS RESIDING IN SOUTH-EASTERN QLD OR NORTHERN NSW

Who is conducting the research?

Chief Investigator
Dr. Heather Green,
Lecturer, School of Psychology,
Griffith University Gold Coast
Ph: (07) 5552 9086
Email: H.Green@griffith.edu.au

Student Investigator
Collette Morris,
Currently completing B. Psychological Science (Honours)
School of Psychology,
Griffith University Gold Coast
Email: Collette.Morris@student.griffith.edu.au

Why is the research being conducted?

This research is being conducted to fulfill the requirements for a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) for Collette Morris. The study will build on previous research regarding nutrition and physical activity and perceptions and thoughts in breast cancer survivors. The results are expected to be able to provide information to assist health practitioners and coordinators of breast cancer support groups to better understand behaviours and perceptions of Australian breast cancer survivors. 

What will I be asked to do?

If you agree to participate in the research, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire which will take about 30-45 minutes. The questionnaire will ask about your current diet and exercise behaviour, ideas related to health and illness and more specific areas such as age and treatment. 

What is the basis on which participants have been selected?

Participants will be women who have had a breast cancer diagnosis and who live in South-Eastern Queensland or Northern New South Wales. 

What are the expected benefits of the research?

The research is primarily being conducted for educational purposes. It may also assist health care professionals and breast cancer support groups.

What are the risks to me?

Some people may find answering some questions mildly distressing. Please note that the questionnaire is completely voluntary. You may take a break from the questionnaire at any time, and you do not have to answer any questions that you don’t feel comfortable answering. If you continue to feel distressed, please contact your doctor or The Cancer Council - Queensland Helpline on 13 11 20 or Lifeline Counseling Services on 13 11 14.

Your confidentiality

No information will be collected that can identify you. For respondents completing the questionnaire online, IP addresses will not be recorded and no information will be recorded or saved that can identify you or your computer.

Your participation is voluntary

Your participation in this research is voluntary. You may stop answering the questionnaire at any time if you do not wish to continue.

Mechanism for distribution and return

The questionnaire will either be given out at a support group meeting, mailed to you, or you will be provided a website link to complete the survey online. It may be returned by giving it back to the researchers in person, mailing it by reply paid mail, or by pressing the final ‘next’ button for the online version. 

What if I have questions, comments or need further information?

If you have any questions, comments or require further information, please contact Dr. Heather Green via the contact details presented on this information sheet.

The ethical conduct of this research

Griffith University conducts research in accordance with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. If you have any concerns or complaints about the ethical conduct of this research project, please contact the Senior Manager, Research Ethics and Integrity on (07) 3735 5585 or research-ethics@griffith.edu.au

Feedback to you

As no identifying information will be collected, we are unable to give you feedback on your individual results. However, a summary of the results of the study will be available from the research team in December 2010.

Expressing consent

By filling in and returning the questionnaire, you will be deemed to have consented to participate in the research. Please detach this sheet and retain it for your future reference. For respondents completing the questionnaire online, please print a copy of this information sheet (by printing this page) for future reference.