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Take Control of Your Cancer Treatment
You didn’t choose to get cancer, but you can choose to get
involved in your cancer treatment. Knowing all of your cancer treatment options
in the beginning may help you feel more in control. Even before you start
treatment, talk to your doctor to see if you might be a candidate for a cancer
clinical trial. Ask these questions
of your doctor to help make an informed decision.
Through a simple screening process it will determine your eligibility for a
cancer clinical trial in which you may be able to enroll. You can then discuss
the results with your nurse or doctor to determine a course of action.
Is there a tool available for those interested in finding a cancer clinical
trial?
The Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups has developed a search
tool to assist you in locating cancer clinical trials.
Click here to visit.
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How do I know if I am eligible to participate in a cancer clinical trial?
Every study has guidelines for who can or cannot participate in a cancer
clinical trial. These guidelines, called eligibility criteria, describe
characteristics that must be shared by all partipants. Examples of eligibility
criteria may include disease type, age, gender, medical history, and current
health status.
TrialCheck, a search tool developed by the Coalition of Cancer
Cooperative Groups, can assist you in determining your eligibility in cancer
clinical trials. TrialCheck provides a system for matching patients with cancer
clinical studies being conducted at member institutions listed on the Web site,
www.CancerTrialsHelp.org. This search tool asks nine simple questions.
After you answer these questions, you will receive a list of cancer clinical
trials in which you may be eligible to enroll. The database includes most of
the government-funded cancer clinical trials in the NCI and National Institutes
of Health (NIH) lists, and some privately funded studies as well. Top
How do I enroll in a cancer clinical trial?
Doctors welcome patient questions and should be happy to speak
with you about all of your cancer treatment options. Cancer clinical trials are
often an important option to consider as an initial course of treatment. There
are risks involved, as there are inherent risks associated with any treatment
for a life-threatening illness, and your doctor can help you assess all the
factors. Self-education is vital for anyone facing cancer. The more knowledge
you have about all of the cancer treatment options available, including cancer
clinical trials, the more control you can assert over your situation.
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