Kevin Dew

I am a professor of sociology in the School of Social and Cultural Studies at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington. I am a medical sociologist and have undertaken research in many areas related to health and illness. My interest in cancer research started with a project that aimed to provide insight into why outcomes for cancer patients were different once people entered the health system. For that research we observed health team meetings where people diagnosed with cancer were discussed, we recorded consultations between health professionals and patients where treatment plans were considered, and we talked to people who had completed cancer treatment. This provided me with a very broad understanding of people’s cancer journeys. The current research aims to extend that, and I wanted to see what we can learn from those who have done very well following a cancer diagnosis.