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

• 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!