Profile
Biography
Ross is a PhD student within the Epidemiology and Cancer Statistics Group (ECSG) in the Department of Health Sciences at the University of York. He previously completed his MSc in Nutrition in Practice and BSc (Hons) in Nutrition from Leeds Beckett University. Ross also currently works in the Paediatric Dietetic service at Leeds General Infirmary.
Ross' research focuses on lifestyle behaviours in patients with blood cancer, and if these increase the risk of long-term physical health conditions. It aims to provide evidence that can underpin future guidance and be used to tailor care and advice about lifestyle behaviours to individual needs, to prevent 'multiple long-term conditions' occurring.
The PhD builds on his MSc project, which explored modifiable lifestyle-related risk factors in blood cancer survivors versus the general population, for which he won the Dean's Prize for Excellence in Nutrition at Leeds Beckett University.
Qualifications
- MSc in Nutrition in Practice (Leeds Beckett University, 2022)
- BSc (Hons) in Nutrition (Leeds Beckett University, 2021)
Research interests
- Dietary intake assessment and analysis
- Physical health needs of those living with and beyond blood cancer
- Health needs assessments (HNA)
Supervisor
Professor Debra Howell
Research
Overview
Blood cancers are the fifth most common cancer group in UK adults. Improved treatments mean more patients are now surviving longer post-diagnosis, which has shifted the focus of some research towards the longer-term health implications of the cancer and its treatment.
Blood cancer patients are known to be at increased risk of developing long-term health conditions such as type 2 diabetes. This may affect their quality of life and require ongoing management from multiple specialities. In such circumstances, prevention of such difficulties is the best option.
Although some risk factors are fixed (e.g., age/sex, cancer/treatment), lifestyle behaviours (e.g., dietary intake, physical activity and weight) can be modified. In my PhD, I will explore lifestyle behaviours and risk factors in blood cancer patients, as well as the impact of the cancer and its treatment, and barriers to accessing healthcare services.
The PhD is based on the established infrastructure of an ongoing population-based blood cancer cohort, which began in 2004 (the Haematological Malignancy Research Network). Evidence will be generated that can be used to personalise clinical practice for individuals, and improve quality of life.
Research group(s)
External activities
Memberships
Registered Associate Nutritionist (ANutr) with the Association for Nutrition (AfN) (2021-present; registration number 27377)
Invited talks and conferences
MethodsCon: Futures 2024 - National Centre for Research Methods (NCRM)
12-13th September 2024, Manchester
Participant: funded through NCRM
Nutricia Annual Congress 2024 - Nutricia
21st October 2024, Royal Society of Medicine, London
Participant: funded through Nutricia due to "expertise within the field of paediatric nutrition"
