Ruth Strauss Foundation secures OSC grant for lung cancer support research

The Ruth Strauss Foundation (RSF) has been awarded funding through the Open Societal Challenges competition to support a pioneering research project aimed at improving the wellbeing of individuals and families affected by non-smoking-related lung cancer (NSLC). This news comes just ahead of World Cancer Day’s (4 February) 2025 campaign "United by Unique", which prioritises placing people at the centre of cancer care.

The project, led by Professor Gini Harrison from The Open University in collaboration with RSF, will explore innovative eHealth solutions to bridge critical gaps in support for NSLC patients and their families. This condition, increasingly affecting young women with families, remains under-researched and often overlooked in healthcare support frameworks.

The research is structured into two key work packages. The first will focus on developing an accessible and evidence-based online resource tailored to NSLC patients, addressing their psychological needs and providing in-the-moment therapeutic strategies. This initiative will be co-designed with key stakeholders, including patients, healthcare professionals, and charities, through an evidence café to ensure its effectiveness and usability.

The second work package aims to provide crucial support for adolescents facing the loss of a parent due to NSLC. Studies highlight the significant emotional and educational impact of adolescent bereavement, yet tailored support remains scarce. Through a combination of literature reviews, surveys, and focus groups, the project will assess how digital tools can best support adolescents through anticipatory grief and bereavement, empowering them with information, peer support, and mental health resources.

This research aligns closely with RSF’s mission to raise awareness of NSLC and provide pre-bereavement support for families facing incurable cancer. By leveraging eHealth solutions, the project seeks to create scalable, impactful interventions that improve wellbeing and resilience for both patients and their families.

The grant will fund a 15-month research timeline, including stakeholder engagement, content development for the NSLC website, and an in-depth investigation into adolescent grief support needs. Findings from the study will be shared through academic publications, a non-academic report, and a dissemination event aimed at influencing healthcare policies and support services.

Professor Harrison expressed enthusiasm about the project’s potential impact, saying, “This funding allows us to address a crucial gap in non-smoking-related lung cancer support. By working with those directly affected, we aim to co-create accessible, evidence-based resources that will make a real difference to patients and their families.”

The Open Societal Challenges funding initiative recognises projects with the potential to drive meaningful change through research. RSF’s success in securing this grant highlights the need for better support structures for NSLC-affected individuals and positions the foundation at the forefront of patient and family-centred care innovation. With this funding, RSF and The Open University hope to pave the way for future large-scale projects that will further develop and implement digital support systems, ensuring that no family facing NSLC navigates their journey alone.