Myths and Facts About Cancer Clinical Trials
Copyright ENACCT, 2007 It’s a treatment of “last resort!” They treat you like a “guinea pig ” No one benefits but the researchers! Not the way to get good care You get a sugar pill! Common Myths About Cancer Clinical Trials
Copyright ENACCT, 2007 Cancer clinical trials … Are research studies to find better ways to prevent, detect, or treat cancer Help doctors find ways to improve cancer care
Copyright ENACCT, 2007 MYTH: Cancer Clinical Trials Are Only for People Who Have No Other Options Left FACT: Clinical trials are not only for those with the most advanced disease
Copyright ENACCT, 2007 MYTH: Only Cancer Patients Can Participate in Clinical Trials FACT: There are many different kinds of clinical trials, for all kinds of people
Copyright ENACCT, 2007 Fact: Patients are always treated for their cancer…. Placebos or “sugar pills” are almost never used in cancer treatment trials Myth: Cancer Patients Get a “Sugar Pill” If They Go on a Clinical Trial
Copyright ENACCT, 2007 FACT: The only way we will find better ways to treat or prevent cancer is through clinical trials MYTH: Only Doctors and Drug Companies Benefit from People Taking Part in These Trials
Copyright ENACCT, 2007 MYTH: Cancer Clinical Trials Are Only for People Who Can’t Afford Treatment FACT: Those with health insurance are more likely to participate in a clinical trial
Copyright ENACCT, 2007 MYTH: Doctors Will Always Suggest Cancer Trials as a Treatment Option for an Eligible Patient FACT: Both doctors and people with cancer can use help in learning about local clinical trials
Copyright ENACCT, 2007 FACT: …Today we have strong safeguards to protect people who volunteer to participate in research MYTH: People Are Still Treated Like Guinea Pigs in Cancer Clinical Trials
Copyright ENACCT, 2007 MYTH: Patients Don’t Benefit from Joining a Trial FACTS: In most trials, patients get at least the best treatment available Patients are closely followed by doctors and nurses If the new treatment is proven to work, patients may be among the first to benefit
Copyright ENACCT, 2007 MYTH: There Are No Real Risks to Participating in Clinical Trials FACT: There ARE risks! Even if a new treatment has benefits, it may not work for every patient New treatments are not always better than what is already used to treat cancer There may be unexpected side effects
Copyright ENACCT, 2007 Know Where to Find Reliable Information to Learn More About Cancer National Cancer Institute Cancer Information Service – CANCER – American Cancer Society ACS-2345
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