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 PatientFACT: 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 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!