Arthur
Arthur was diagnosed with bladder cancer at the end of 2016. He agreed to take part in the 100,000 Genomes Project before his operation to remove the tumours.
Arthur is retired, but previously worked in admin. He is married and has three adult children. He is white English.
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Arthur, 82, is retired and lives with his wife. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2016 after experiencing some blood in his urine. At his pre-op consultation, he was asked to take part in the 100,000 Genomes Project. He said he was a bit surprised because it was out of the blue but he was very happy to take part if it will make a difference. He signed the consent forms during the consultation, gave his blood and brought home the paperwork. He has no worries about taking part in the project and his only concern is that commercial companies not be allowed to make a profit from his sample.
Arthur was told all about the project at his pre-op assessment and thought “let’s do it”. He took an information pack home with him but didn’t take too much of it in.
Arthur was told all about the project at his pre-op assessment and thought “let’s do it”. He took an information pack home with him but didn’t take too much of it in.
I hadn't, no. Not until the lady said - you know - this is it, read all the bits and pieces there. And again, you know, if I'm going to help, let's see what we can do.
And so who - When were you first told about it? Was this on the Friday?
No, it was - this was on the pre-op, which was the - probably the Friday before. Or week or so before. Mmm.
And can you talk me through what happened?
Well, I presume it was a doctor, but - you know - asked me if I was, you know, prepared to look at it. And I read through the information there. And thought, you know, again - let's do it. And then they had your little envelope sealed, and said "You look at that when you get home." Which I read through, and again - you know - if it's going to be any help, see what we can do.
So the information - was there lots of information? Was it easy to understand?
I'm not too sure that I took much of it, took too much of it in, actually [laugh]. Again, it was, you know - if it's going to help, let's got on with it.
And did she explain anything to you?
Yes. She explained all the bits and pieces, what I'd be doing. You know, if you wanted to pull out any time, you know, you do it, and the onus is on you to decide to carry on or stop.