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C
ancer clinical trials are research studies in which people help doctors find
ways to improve cancer care. Many of today’s best ways to prevent,
find, and treat cancer are all based on past clinical trials. The things we
learned from these trials help many of us live longer and better lives. A clinical
trial is done to find out if a new way to prevent, find, or treat cancer is safe and
better than the way it is done now. Cancer patients, family, and healthy peo-
ple can all participate in clinical trials.
There are many different kinds of clinical trials including:
1) Treatment trials - test new ways to fight cancer
2) Prevention trials - test new ways to lower the risk of getting a
certain cancer
3) Screening trials - test the best way to find cancer early
4) Quality of Life trials - find ways to help patients have better lives
People that take part in clinical trials get the most up to date care from
teams of cancer experts.
Clinical trials allow you to take an active role in your health care and you
may even have the chance to help others by finding better ways to prevent,
find, and treat cancer.
For more information about clinical trials, talk to your healthcare provider
or access the clinical trials resources identified on the following pages.
Commentary provided by Marcie Grello MPH, CHES
Partnership Program Coordinator,
National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service, Atlantic Region
SEARCHABLE CLINICAL TRIAL DATABASES
NATIONAL DATABASES
Acurian
Toll Free Number
(866) 566-5966
Website
CancerTrials
Toll Free Number
(800) 4-CANCER
Website
Centerwatch
General Number
(617) 856-5900
Website
Notes
Clinical Trials
