Thinking about joining a clinical trial?

April is National Cancer Control Month, a time to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, improving cancer treatments, increasing the survival rate of cancer, and improving the quality of life for people living with cancer. Cancer clinical trials play a pivotal role in cancer prevention, advancing cancer research, and improving treatment outcomes. Discover the different types of clinical trials and what you should know before joining one.  

What are Clinical Trials?

Clinical trials are research studies that test new ways to treat cancer, relieve symptoms and side effects, and prevent cancer. These trials study the effectiveness and safety of medication or treatments. Clinical trials help doctors discover more effective ways to treat cancer and improve the quality of life of cancer patients. 

Different Types of Cancer Clinical Trials

Several clinical trials are being conducted, including treatment, prevention, screening, supportive care, and palliative care trials. 

Questions to Ask

• Why is this clinical trial being done?

• What phase is this clinical trial in?

• What are the benefits and risks of participating in a clinical trial? 

• Am I eligible to participate? 

• What should I do if I’m in a clinical trial?

• Will I know what treatment I receive?

• What side effects might I expect from the trial treatment? 

• Will I be able to find out about the results of the clinical trial?

• Can I quit a clinical trial?

If you’re considering joining a clinical trial, discuss the benefits and risks, and any other questions you might have with your cancer care team.

Sources:

NIH: National Cancer Institute: What Are Clinical Trials?

American Cancer Society: Deciding Whether to Be Part of a Clinical Trial