How many times have you been at the mall and been approached (perhaps almost begged) to take part in a survey? How many times have you said said yes, or no, or just kept right on walking pretending not to even notice the poor person standing there with clipboard in hand? How many times have you felt guilty for giving someone the brush off?
This has certainly happened to me many times. Generally, I say no. I’m in too big of a hurry or just not interested, usually I don’t even stop or slow down much. And those phone surveys. Never.
Today I’m taking time to slow down and participate. Perhaps you might want to do the same.
I was contacted the other day by a woman from Virginia Commonwealth University who is pursuing her doctoral in counseling/psychology and she asked me if I would be willing to get the word out regarding a survey she is conducting for her dissertation. I agreed to assist her.
This particular survey’s purpose is to gain a better understanding of the social support and services cancer patients receive online and off. The survey asks you to give your thoughts and feelings on your own support system(s). You merely check answers off, no essay questions involved!
Since I am a big supporter of research, I agreed to not only spread the word here on my blog, but also to complete the survey. It took me about 40 minutes, but I’m slow at this kind of thing; sometimes I over think! Completing this survey got me to thinking a bit about my own support systems, but I’ll save those thoughts for another day so as to not to skew anything improperly.
If you have had cancer or know someone who has and are interested in taking part in this survey, here is the link: Support Survey.
While I’m at it, another worthwhile survey I took part in recently is the Chemotherapy Hair Loss Study. Hair loss is a HUGE issue for cancer patients (in fact, in my next post I’m revisiting this topic again) so this survey seems worth the time and only took minutes. Loved that. The findings will be published in international nursing journals and presented at health care conferences, so they will be put to good use. Here is that link as well: Hair Loss Study.
As a cancer patient, I do feel some responsibility to participate in some stuff like this. I want to do my part in helping others, especially those in the medial community, to better understand cancer’s impact on a person’s psyche as well as the physical ramifications. Sometimes the emotional ramifications cut even deeper.
So take part if you are able or interested!
Do you ever take part in surveys of any kind? Why or why not?
If you have had cancer, do you feel a responsibility to help with this kind of research?
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Joi
Nancy,
I couldn’t agree more. Participating in research is very important for finding better answers for women who follow in our footsteps. Here is a blog I did about another very important study for women with metastatic breast cancer for which we desperately need to find more answers: http://positiveresultsthebook.blogspot.com/2011/02/metastatic-hereditary-breast-cancer.html. This study is in desperate need of more participants and only takes a few minutes to do online. I could make a huge difference in whether drug companies fund research for new drugs for metastatic breast cancer.
Joi
http://www.PositiveResultsTheBook.blogspot.com
Nancy
Joi, Thank you for visiting my blog and commenting. I agree with you, research is vital and we can all participate one way or another. I will check out that blog post. Metastatic breast cancer is in dire need of more attention/research.
Sinead Power
Thank you Nancy for publicising the study on your blog. It is indeed important that we all participate in research as how otherwise how can we help in improving treatmets and the overall physical and pstchological management of individuals who are experiencing a diagnosis of cancer. keep up your great work. best Wishes, Sinead
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=100002016850454
Nancy
Sinead Power, You are very welcome.
Lindsay
I kind of like taking surveys that mean something, but I usually don’t make the time for them. Glad to hear you participated in two meaningful surveys that will make a difference.
Nancy
Lindsay, Thanks for commenting again. I know what you mean, I have not done many surveys in the past. Now I’ll at least consider doing them if they seem worthwhile, especially if they’re quick and easy! It seems almost part of my responsibilty now I guess.
Jan
Nancy, great post! I do believe in surveys, but like you are often too busy to take the time to answer questions in a meaningful way. I did take the chemotherapy hair loss survey to which you linked on Facebook and enjoyed the feeling of contributing to cancer research. I’ve also participated in lymphedema surveys, which are rarer to find than cancer ones. But they are there, and I feel I must present my personal case to better humankind.
We all have our favorite causes, so whatever touches our hearts is what will make us stop to do a survey. The same is true for friends: we can’t spend time with all of them, so we choose to spend the most time with the few who mean the most to us. It’s all good, it’s human nature.
As a result of your post I might just give a second glance to a hopeful survey-taker next time I’m at the mall as I consider whether the cause is worth the effort.
Jan
Nancy
Jan, Thank you for reading and commenting. I look forward to your opinions. Glad to hear you did the hair loss survey too. I am finding very little information about lymphedema. I don’t have it, but would like to prevent it, so it’s also good you are so active in that realm. And you are right, we take time to do the ones that are meaningful to us on some personal level, or at least we think about doing those.
WhiteStone
Phone surveys never. Who knows what scammer is on the other end. I’ll check our the survey links you’ve included.
Nancy
WhiteStone, Good to see you back and commenting! Thank you. I’ve missed your comments of late. Yes, those scammers are out there… Thanks for checking the links out.
Ginny Marie @ Lemon Drop Pie
I took a survey when I was at my oncologist’s office once. I’ve also been waiting to see if I qualify for a study at http://www.armyofwomen.org, but so far I’m too far out from my breast cancer diagnosis to qualify. My sister qualified for one study through Army of Women, and she’s thrilled to be helping the research they are doing!
Nancy
Ginny, That’s great to hear. Thank you!
Ginny Marie @ Lemon Drop Pie
P.S. I love your crocus photo! I hope all that white stuff in your yard disappears soon.
Nancy
Ginny, Thanks, they are such a gorgeous color aren’t they? And the white stuff is finally slowing disappearing!
Lori Hope
Great question, Nancy. I do answer such surveys, because I recently conducted one myself and how could I ask others to do that which I would not do myself? Of course we have to be selective, but when it’s something that can really help those who come after us, how can we not?
I hope you answered my survey, and if you didn’t, please do, even though it’s now closed. I’ll check it a few more times before my book goes to press. http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/367413/Help-Me-Live
Thanks again for all you do,
Lori
Nancy
Lori, Thank you for reading and commenting. I just completed your survey, (better late than never). It’s important work you are doing. When does the new book come out?
ron
I usually do not answer surveys, like most people i just can’t be bothered. but you certainly raised an interesting issue, because I guess some surveys are worth the bother. I will certainly reconsdier
Nancy
Ron, Thank you for commenting and I certainly know what you mean about not wanting to be bothered. That’s the way most of us feel.