My research focuses on the early diagnosis of cancer and delays in the diagnostic pathways of cancer patients. I am particularly interested in people's experiences of symptoms and help-seeking, as well as inequalities in the diagnosis of cancer. My current research focuses on rural cancer inequalities, as rural populations face poorer outcomes for a number of cancers, than urban populations do. 

My background is in medical anthropology and I have expertise in qualitative and mixed-methods research methodologies. 

I am the Principal Investigator on a Yorkshire Cancer Research funded study, entitled RURALLY (Recognition, Understandings of, and Responses to colorectal symptoms Among people Living in rural Localities of Yorkshire). This study explores the experiences and management of symptoms of bowel cancer and triggers and barriers to help-seeking among people residing in rural North Yorkshire. Findings from interview and survey data will be used to inform the co-design of an intervention to encourage earlier presentation among rural populations. 

I have recently been awarded funding from the Northern Network of Medical Humanities Research Seed Fund to undertake a 'guide-the-guide' walk exploring the link between body, embodied experience and place. Alongside my co-investigators, we will draw together our expertise from our respective fields of cancer, medical humanities and rural studies to explore how rural places shape how people conceive of and experience the body, health and illness, using an innovative creative research methodology. 

• Dobson C, Rubin G, Murchie P, Macdonald S, Sharp L. Reconceptualising rural cancer inequalities: Time for a new research agenda. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17(4), 1455.
• Dobson C, Russell A, Brown S, Rubin G. The role of social context in symptom appraisal and help‐seeking among people with lung or colorectal symptoms: A qualitative interview study. European Journal of Cancer Care 2018, 27(2), e12815.
• Walter FM, Emery JD, Mendonca S, Hall N, Morris HC, Mills K, Dobson C, Bankhead C, Johnson M, Abel GA, Rutter MD, Hamilton W, Rubin GP. Symptoms and patient factors associated with longer time to diagnosis for colorectal cancer: Results from a prospective cohort study. British Journal of Cancer 2016, 115(5), 533-541.
• Dobson CM, Russell AJ, Rubin GP. Patient delay in cancer diagnosis: what do we really mean and can we be more specific?. BMC Health Services Research 2014, 14, 1-6.
• Walter FM, Rubin G, Bankhead C, Morris HC, Hall N, Mills K, Dobson C, Rintoul RC, Hamilton W, Emery J. Symptoms and other factors associated with time to diagnosis and stage of lung cancer: a prospective cohort study. British Journal of Cancer 2015, 112, S6-S13.
• Hall NJ, Rubin GP, Dobson C, Weller D, Wardle J, Ritchie M, Rees CJ. Attitudes and beliefs of non-participants in a population-based screening programme for colorectal cancer. Health Expectations 2015, 18(5), 1645-1657.
• Dobson C, Rubin G. Aestheticising Cancer. British Journal of General Practice 2014, 64(625), 415.