Questions to ask
More information
If You Have Cancer...
What You Should Know
Here are some questions to ask before agreeing
To find out more about clinical trials
to take part in a clinical trial:
(research studies) in your area, ask your
About Clinical Trials
doctor or call
· Why is the study being done?
NCI's Cancer Information Service
· How will it help me?
1-800-4-CANCER
or visit the Web at
· What kinds of tests and treatments are part
www.cancer.gov
of the study?
· How am I protected?
Brochure adapted with permission
· How could the study change what I
from the Eastern Cooperative Oncology
do every day?
Group (ECOG).
· What will happen to my cancer with or
without this treatment?
· What other treatments could I get if I don't
take part in the study?
· What are possible short- and long-term side
effects for me and my family to think about?
· How do the risks and side effects of the
standard treatment compare with the
treatment being studied?
· How long will the study last?
· Will my insurance cover my being in
this study?
· Will I have to stay in the hospital
during the study? If so, how often and
for how long?
· Will I have extra costs because of the study?
· How will I be checked after the study?
· How long do I have to make up my mind
about joining this study?
Public Health Service
National Institutes of Health
Tip: Write out a list of your questions and
National Institutes of Health
NIH Publication No. 01-5028
concerns to ask your doctor.
Printed October 2001
National Cancer Institute
P968
What are clinical trials?
You should ask questions about any part of the
What are some risks to being part
consent form you do not understand. If you
of a research study?
Cancer treatment clinical
decide to take part in the study, you will be
trials are research studies
asked to sign the consent form.
· It is not known for sure if the new
to find better ways to treat
Even if you sign the consent form, you can still
treatment in the study will help you more
cancer. It is important that
change your mind and stop at any time.
than the standard treatment for your cancer.
men and women of all
· Treatments in studies have side effects.
ages and backgrounds take
Who makes sure my rights
· Research studies have costs, and health
part in these studies so
are protected?
insurance does not always pay for all your
that what is learned will
costs in a study. It's important to talk
help cancer patients now
Groups of experts at the national and local
about these costs with a doctor, nurse, or
and in the future.
levels approve research studies before they
social worker.
begin. One of the most important groups is
Clinical trials often compare the most accepted
called an institutional review board (IRB).
cancer treatment (standard treatment) with a
Do I have to take part in a clinical trial?
new treatment that doctors hope will be better.
The IRB's job is to review research studies and
make sure they are run safely and fairly. All
No. Taking part in a research study is up to
Each study has rules about who can and cannot
clinical trials should be reviewed by an IRB,
you. It is important to look at all of your
participate--such as age, sex, or type of cancer.
which includes doctors, nurses, and people
treatment options with the help of your family
Think about asking your doctor if you can take
from the community.
and doctor. This will help you decide if a study
part in a study.
is the best way to treat your cancer.
What kind of information will I get if I
You and your family should ask questions
What are some benefits of being part of
want to take part in a research study?
before you decide to take part in a research
a research study?
study. Be sure to get all the information you
Before you join a study, a doctor, nurse, or
need before you decide if you want to take part.
· If you join a study that compares
another person on the research team will
treatments, you will get either:
explain why the study is being done, and what
will happen during the study. You can ask any
The best accepted treatment for
questions you have about the study.
the kind of cancer you have (called
standard treatment)
You will also be given a consent form to read.
A new treatment that doctors hope will
The consent form will explain:
be better than the standard treatment
· The exact plan for each step in the study
· What doctors learn in studies also helps
· What side effects you may have
people who may get cancer in the future.
· How the study may affect your daily life