Why Clinical Trials Matter in Cancer Care
Every new cancer breakthrough begins with a clinical trial.
Progress through Research
Why are Clinical Trials Important?
Today, people are living longer lives thanks to results of past cancer clinical trials. When you take part in a clinical trial, you add to our knowledge about cancer and help improve cancer care for people in the future.
People with cancer and healthy volunteers join trials to play a role in cancer research and move science forward to help others.
Credit: “What Are Clinical Trials” was originally published by the National Cancer Institute.
Cancer Clinical Trials
Clinical Trials Test New Ways to Find, Prevent, and Treat Cancer
They also help doctors improve the quality of life for people with cancer by testing ways to manage the side effects of cancer and its treatment.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) offer helpful educational resources for people to learn about clinical trials.
Credit: “What Are Clinical Trials?” and “Taking Part in Cancer Treatment Research Studies” were originally published by the National Cancer Institute.
Additional NCI resources can be found here: Participate In Cancer Research – NCI
Myths vs Facts
Clearing up common misunderstandings
Clinical trials provide lower quality care
Patients get placebos
Will I be a guinea pig?
No, you will not get lower quality care if you take part in a study. You will be closely monitored by the research team.
Placebos are usually only used when no standard treatment exists. Your study team will tell you if the study uses a placebo.
It’s normal to worry about this. New drugs undergo testing in labs and on animals to ensure they are safe for humans before reaching clinical trials.
Credit: Clinical Trial Facts was originally published by the National Cancer Institute.
Important reminder: Before participating in a clinical study, talk to your health care provider to learn about the risks and benefits of participation.
Explore Your Options
Speak with Your Doctor
Find out if participation in clinical trials may be right for you or someone you care about.