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.
Myth: Clinical trial patients receive placebos.
Reality: Placebos are rarely used in cancer clinical trials and they are never used in place of the best-known treatment for a given cancer.
Myth: Insurance will not cover the costs of a clinical trial.
Reality: 86 percent of survey respondents who enrolled in cancer clinical trials reported that their costs were covered by their insurance plan.
Myth: Medicare does not cover costs of participation in a clinical trial.
Reality: An executive memorandum issued in June 2000 directs Medicare to cover the patient care costs of a trial.
Myth: I can only participate in a trial if I have access to a major medical institution.
Reality: Clinical trials are conducted at academic centers and community oncology practices throughout the country.
The Coalition of National Cancer Cooperative Groups is made up of oncologists, cancer research specialists, patient advocate organizations, cancer centers, academic medical centers, and community hospitals and practices. This survey was conducted by The Coalition of National Cancer Cooperative Groups, Cancer Research Foundation of America, Cancer Leadership Council, and the Oncology Nursing Society. |
Next Page
