• Charles Sturt University academics are researching the occurrence of ‘scanxiety’ for people living with cancer in regional, rural and remote Australia
• Eligible participants with a cancer diagnosis living in regional Australia who require medical imaging are encouraged to express their interest
• The study is open now for participant recruitment through to the end of January 2025

Charles Sturt University academics are investigating the occurrence of ‘scanxiety’ for people living with cancer in regional, rural and remote Australia.

‘Scanxiety’ is a term given to the experience of anxiety when undergoing a medical imaging scan such as x-ray, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography and nuclear medicine.

Senior Lecturer in Medical Imaging Mr Johnathan Hewis and Senior Lecturer in Diagnostic Imaging Mr Shayne Chau, both in the Charles Sturt School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, are calling for expressions of interest by people with a cancer diagnosis living in non-metropolitan regions of Australia who experience ‘scanxiety’ when undergoing imaging as part of their cancer journey.

“Scanxiety is a significant yet underexplored aspect of cancer care, particularly in Australia’s remote, regional and rural settings,” Mr Hewis said.

“This study aims to deepen our understanding of ‘scanxiety’ among these cancer patients by evaluating the level of anxiety experienced and how widespread the issue really is.”

The study has two arms which aim to achieve a holistic understanding of ‘scanxiety’, both of which can be completed online.

Participants can choose to take part in one or both arms of the study, which include:

• Arm 1: Two questionnaires, one before and one after a surveillance scan, which are completed and then emailed back to the researchers.
• Arm 2: an interview conducted online by one of the researchers at a convenient time for the participant.

“We’re hoping that our findings can then go on to inform health practitioner education and practice in Australia, improving care for individuals with a cancer diagnosis undergoing medical imaging,” Mr Hewis said.

Acting Senior District Manager of the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute Mr Matt Hoffmann, who is an external member of the research team, said the project would potentially have far reaching benefits.

“As a health professional committed to caring for regional cancer patients, I see this study as having enormous potential for improving the patient experience,” he said.

“Understanding the issue, learning from patient feedback, and improving practice will have real world benefits for our future patients.”

The study is open now for participant recruitment through to the end of January 2025, with more information and expression of interest applications available online.