Work

Cancer workforce readiness to identify and respond to domestic abuse: A national survey and follow-up interviews

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: Domestic abuse (DA) is a highly prevalent public health and health equity issue. We aimed to investigate cancer professionals' experiences of DA among patients and assess cancer workforce readiness to identify, respond to, and prevent DA. METHODS: = 343, mostly healthcare workers) and 15 follow-up interviews within an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. RESULTS: Most participants had encountered individuals affected by DA in the past three years. Participants often referred patients to cancer psychologists. Unique opportunities to respond to DA arose in the cancer pathway, including holistic psychosocial approaches to care. But alongside were unique challenges, including difficulties distinguishing DA from common emotional responses to cancer diagnoses. Inadequate training, policies, and private spaces for DA inquiry limited organizational readiness to respond. CONCLUSION: Carefully designed cancer-specific DA interventions are required to improve cancer professionals' confidence and knowledge to safely seize these unique opportunities to identify, respond to, and prevent DA.

Source: Journal of Psychosocial Oncology

DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2026.2747648

Authors: Sandi Dheensa, Eleanor Hepworth, Helen Winter

Institutions: University of Bristol, University of Exeter, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust

Language: English

Topic: Intimate Partner and Family Violence

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Gender equality, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Macmillan Cancer Support