Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

tick boxes on a questionnaire

Your involvement in The Million Women Study is important to us and your answers are vital. We hope the following answers are helpful.

Why do I have to use blue or black ink to fill out the questionnaire? 
The equipment we use to analyse questionnaire responses only recognises blue and black ink.

Why do I have to use crosses for my answers? 
The verification equipment used to check each questionnaire recognises crosses better than ticks. Don’t worry if you have used ticks, as the questionnaires are also checked manually.

Can I include more information than fits on the questionnaire?
Yes, please attach a note to the questionnaire if you want to include additional information e.g. if you have a condition for which you do not take prescribed medication but think is relevant to your current state of health.

Are my questionnaire answers confidential?
All information provided is treated with absolute confidentiality, stored securely in accordance with the Data Protection Act  and used for medical research only. No personal details are passed on to any commercial organisation. Staff at the Million Women Study have over 25 years of experience in handling confidential information and our methods have been approved by over 120 Local Research Ethics Committees throughout the UK. For more information see our privacy policy.

Does it matter if I can’t remember exact details?
Some of the questions are about things that you might have difficulty remembering. For example, details of your childhood, your parents, or dates of past illnesses. If you cannot remember exact details, please give as much information as you can, an approximate answer is very valuable for the study.

What if I do not wish to or am unable to fill in the questionnaire? 
The Million Women Study is purely voluntary, so you do not have to fill in any questionnaires if you do not want to. Whether or not you take part will not affect your health care in any way.

How do I inform you that I am moving?
Simply attach a note to the questionnaire when you return it to the Million Women Study co-ordinating centre, email us at millionwomenstudy@ndph.ox.ac.uk or write to us at the address on the questionnaire.