08 Sep How to Participate in Lung Cancer Research in Alberta
How to Participate in Lung Cancer Research in Alberta: A Complete Guide
Your experience with lung cancer holds more power than you might realize. Every symptom you’ve faced, every challenge you’ve overcome, and every insight you’ve gained could help shape the future of cancer care in Alberta. Through lung cancer research participation Alberta initiatives like the PROPEL study, your voice becomes part of a powerful chorus driving real change in how we understand and treat this disease.
If you’ve ever wondered whether participating in research is right for you, or how to get started, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about joining the PROPEL lung cancer study at the University of Calgary.
Why Your Voice Matters in Cancer Research
There’s a critical gap in cancer research that only patients can fill. While medical professionals can measure tumor markers and analyze scan results, they can’t fully capture what it’s like to live with lung cancer day after day. This is where your participation becomes invaluable.
Consider this: over 3,800 Albertans are diagnosed with lung cancer each year, yet traditional research often misses the nuances of their daily experiences. How does treatment affect your ability to work? What support do you really need during chemotherapy? How do side effects impact your family life? These questions can only be answered by those living through the experience.
Dr. Vishal Navani, Principal Director of the PROPEL study at the University of Calgary, emphasizes this point: “Every patient’s story contributes unique insights that help us understand the real-world impact of lung cancer treatments. Without patient participation, we’re only seeing half the picture.”
The data collected through patient participation has already led to significant improvements in Alberta’s cancer care system. From better symptom management protocols at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary to improved support services in rural communities, patient-reported experiences are reshaping how care is delivered across the province.
Your participation also directly supports the advancement of precision medicine—treatments tailored to individual patient needs rather than one-size-fits-all approaches. As more patients share their experiences, researchers can identify patterns that lead to more personalized and effective care strategies.
Step-by-Step Guide to Joining PROPEL
Participating in lung cancer research through PROPEL is simpler than you might think. Here’s exactly how to get started:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
The PROPEL study welcomes a broad range of participants, making it easy for most people affected by lung cancer to contribute:
Who Can Participate:
- Anyone with a lung cancer diagnosis (any stage, any type)
- Caregivers and family members of lung cancer patients
- Residents of Alberta (though out-of-province participants are also welcome)
- Patients currently in treatment or post-treatment
- Those newly diagnosed or years into their journey
No Restrictions On:
- Treatment type or stage of cancer
- Age or physical condition
- Previous research participation
- Current medical team or treatment center
The inclusive nature of PROPEL means that whether you’re receiving treatment in Calgary, Edmonton, or a smaller Alberta community, your experience matters and can be included.
Step 2: Access the Survey
Getting started with lung cancer research participation Alberta has never been easier:
Online Access:
- Visit propellung.ca from any device
- Click the prominent “Start the Survey” button
- No complex registration process required
- Works on smartphones, tablets, or computers
Alternative Options:
- Phone participation available for those without internet access
- Paper surveys can be requested if needed
- Support available in multiple languages
- Assistance for those with visual or technical challenges
The platform is designed with patients in mind—simple, clear, and accessible even on days when you’re not feeling your best.
Step 3: Complete Your First Survey
Your initial survey is designed to be manageable and respectful of your time:
What to Expect:
- 10-15 minutes to complete
- Questions about your diagnosis and treatment experience
- Inquiries about symptoms and quality of life
- Sections on support needs and care access
- All questions are optional—skip any you’re not comfortable answering
Helpful Features:
- Save and return option if you need a break
- Clear, jargon-free language
- Progress indicator showing how much remains
- Immediate confirmation when submitted
The questions are carefully crafted to capture meaningful information without being overwhelming or intrusive.
Step 4: Ongoing Participation
After your initial survey, participating in the PROPEL study remains flexible and convenient:
Follow-up Surveys:
- Periodic check-ins (typically monthly or quarterly)
- Shorter than the initial survey (5-10 minutes)
- Email reminders sent when it’s time to participate
- No penalties for missing surveys
Your Commitment:
- Participate as much or as little as you’re comfortable with
- Pause or stop at any time without explanation
- Update your preferences whenever needed
- Your medical care is never affected by your participation level
What to Expect During Participation
Understanding what happens when you participate can ease any concerns about joining lung cancer research:
Privacy and Confidentiality: Your information is protected by strict privacy protocols. All data is anonymized before analysis, meaning your personal details are never connected to your responses in research reports. The University of Calgary follows all provincial and federal privacy regulations, ensuring your information remains secure.
How Your Data Is Used: Your responses are combined with those from other participants to identify trends and patterns. Researchers look for common experiences that can inform better care strategies. For example, if many participants report similar side effects from a particular treatment, this information helps doctors better prepare future patients and develop management strategies.
Support Throughout Your Journey: The PROPEL research team is available to answer questions and provide assistance. You’ll receive contact information for the study coordinator who can help with technical issues, clarify questions, or simply listen if you need to share more about your experience.
No Impact on Your Treatment: Participating in PROPEL is completely separate from your medical care. Your oncologist doesn’t see your individual responses, and your participation (or non-participation) never affects your treatment options or quality of care. This is purely about sharing your experience to help others.
How Your Data Helps Future Patients
The impact of lung cancer research participation Alberta extends far beyond individual contributions. Here’s how your participation creates lasting change:
When patients across Alberta share their experiences, researchers can identify critical patterns. For instance, rural patients might face unique challenges accessing treatment during winter months—information that has already led to discussions about mobile care units and improved telemedicine options.
Your data contributes to evidence-based improvements in cancer care delivery. Recent participant feedback has influenced:
- Development of new patient education materials
- Adjustments to clinic scheduling to reduce wait times
- Creation of peer support programs
- Advocacy for better insurance coverage of supportive medications
The connection to precision medicine is particularly powerful. As researchers understand how different patients experience various treatments, they can better predict which approaches will work best for specific individuals, moving away from trial-and-error treatment toward more targeted, effective care from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in the PROPEL study? Anyone affected by lung cancer can participate, including patients at any stage of diagnosis or treatment, as well as caregivers and family members. You don’t need your doctor’s referral or permission to join.
How long does each survey take? The initial survey takes about 10-15 minutes, while follow-up surveys are typically 5-10 minutes. You can save your progress and return later if needed.
Is my information kept confidential? Yes, all information is strictly confidential and protected by privacy laws. Your responses are anonymized before analysis, and individual responses are never shared with your healthcare team or anyone else.
Can I stop participating at any time? Absolutely. Participation is completely voluntary, and you can pause or stop at any time without providing a reason. This will not affect your medical care in any way.
Do I need my doctor’s permission? No, you don’t need anyone’s permission to participate in PROPEL. This is your decision to share your experience and contribute to improving cancer care.
Take the First Step Today
Participating in lung cancer research is more than filling out surveys—it’s about ensuring that future patients receive care that truly addresses their needs. Every person who joins the PROPEL study adds another piece to the puzzle of understanding lung cancer’s real-world impact.
Sarah Collins, a PROPEL participant, describes it best: “Sharing my experience gave me purpose during treatment. Knowing that my struggles could prevent someone else’s suffering made every survey worthwhile.”
Your journey with lung cancer has given you unique insights that could transform care for thousands of Albertans. The PROPEL study makes it simple to share those insights and become part of meaningful change.