 Cancer Clinical Trials: Myth vs. Reality
By The Coalition of National Cancer Cooperative Groups
Before a new cancer therapy is made available to the public, it must be proven effective in clinical trials. For improved quality of life for cancer patients and increased survival, greater participation in trials is essential. The Coalition of National Cancer Cooperative Groups is working to increase public understanding and participation in cancer clinical trials so that all patients and their caregivers understand that trials are a quality treatment option.
Which of the following facts do you know?
Myth: Cancer patients do not enroll in clinical trials because they believe they are unsafe or too risky.
Reality: 85 percent of respondents to a Harris Interactive Survey reported that they were unaware that a cancer clinical trial was even a treatment option and 75 percent of these individuals said that they would have been willing to enroll if they knew it was an option.
Myth: Clinical trial patients are treated like "guinea pigs."
Reality: 97 percent of survey respondents who participated in clinical trials reported that they were treated with dignity and respect and received excellent or good quality care.
Myth: If I participate in a cancer clinical trial, I may receive inferior treatment.
Reality: It is now well documented that patients who participate in cancer clinical trials have outcomes as good as, if not better than, those who do not participate, even if they get the best standard therapy.
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