Debra Howell

Professor Debra Howell is a leading academic in Health Sciences at the University of York. She serves as Deputy Director of the Epidemiology and Cancer Statistics Group and leads the qualitative research team in the Haematological Malignancy Research Network (HMRN), which she co-founded in 2004. Her work focuses on patient experiences in blood cancer diagnosis and treatment, socio-economic health disparities, and end-of-life care pathways.

• BSc in Environmental Management (University of Northumbria at Newcastle)
• MA in Social Anthropology (Durham University)
• PhD in Health Service Research (University of York, 2005)

Her research examines haematological malignancy patient journeys, including symptom recognition, treatment decision-making, and palliative care access. She leads the Yorkshire and Humberside Haematology Network (YHHN) and manages HMRN's comprehensive data collection processes.

Recent publications highlight her expertise in chronic blood cancer management, with studies on chronic myeloid leukaemia and retinoblastoma survivors, emphasizing psychosocial support needs and treatment adherence challenges. Her economic models analyze healthcare costs in myeloma patients.

• Active member of YHHN Patient Partnership Committee (Chair)
• Co-treasurer of York Haematology Support Group
• Steering Committee member at Myeloma UK Early Diagnosis

Professor Howell supervises PhD candidates in haematological malignancy research, with current advisees including Nicola O'Donnell and Grace Collum. She has contributed to major studies on diagnostic pathways and survival inequalities in blood cancers.