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Myths and Facts About
Cancer Clinical Trials
Common Myths About Cancer
Clinical Trials
It’s a treatment of
“last resort!”
You get
a sugar
pill!
Not the
way to
get good
care
They treat
you like a
“guinea
pig”
No one
benefits but
the
researchers!
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
Myth: Cancer Patients Get a
“Sugar Pill” If They Go on a
Clinical Trial
Fact: Patients are always treated for their
cancer….
Placebos or “sugar pills” are almost never
used in cancer treatment trials
Copyright ENACCT, 2007
MYTH: Only Doctors and Drug
Companies Benefit from People
Taking Part in These Trials
FACT: The only way we will find better
ways to treat or prevent cancer is through
clinical 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
MYTH: People Are Still Treated
Like Guinea Pigs in Cancer
Clinical Trials
• FACT: …Today we have strong
safeguards to protect people who
volunteer to participate in research
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
American Cancer
Society
www.cancer.org
1-800-ACS-2345
– 1-800-4-CANCER
– www.cancer.gov/cis
Copyright ENACCT, 2007
Thank You!