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


Cancer clinical trials …

• Are research studies to find better ways to prevent, detect, or treat cancer

• Help doctors find ways to improve cancer care


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


MYTH: Only Cancer Patients Can Participate in Clinical Trials

FACT: There are many different kinds of clinical trials, for all kinds of people


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


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


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


MYTH: Doctors Will Always Suggest Cancer Trials as a Treatment Option for an Eligible PatientFACT: Both doctors and people with cancer can use help in learning about local clinical trials


• 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


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


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


Know Where to Find Reliable Information to Learn More About CancerNational Cancer

Institute• www.cancer.gov• Cancer Information

Service– 1-800-4-CANCER– www.cancer.gov/cis

American Cancer Society

www.cancer.org

1-800-ACS-2345

Thank You!

Myths and Facts About Cancer Clinical Trials

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