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New Choices in Cancer Care for Veterans
Information About the VA/NCI Clinical Trials Partnership
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are working together to make healthcare better for veterans. This partnership provides wide access to NCI-sponsored studies of the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer. Veterans of the United States armed forces can take advantage of some of the most promising advances in cancer research.
What Are Cancer Clinical Trials?
Cancer clinical trials, also called "research studies," attempt to find better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. When doctors discover better ways to diagnose and treat cancer through clinical trials, many people with cancer are cured, and many others have longer, more comfortable lives.
Who Can Participate?
Veterans who are currently getting their healthcare at VA facilities may participate. Talk to your doctor to find out if receiving care in a VA/NCI clinical trial meets your medical needs.
Why Participate in a Clinical Trial?
People take part in clinical trials for many reasons. They may hope for a cure of disease, a longer time to live, a way to feel better, or a way to prevent cancer. Patients usually hope the trial will benefit them personally. Often, they also want to contribute to a research effort that may help others.
There are drawbacks to consider, including possible side effects and time commitment. Some studies may require treatment schedules that conflict with work and family responsibilities. Learn as much as you can about a study before you decide to participate.
Where Do the Clinical Trials Take Place?
Clinical trials take place at numerous VA medical centers and outpatient clinics throughout the country. Rarely do veterans need care in another facility. Your doctors and their staff will help make the necessary arrangements for tests, appointments, and treatments.
What is the Cost?
Veterans will be provided care in clinical trials as part of their usual healthcare services. Your local VA healthcare facility will have more information about cost coverage.
For More Information:
Take this pamphlet to your VA primary care provider or cancer specialist to discuss your choices in cancer care. These choices may include a VA/NCI cancer clinical trial.
- Call the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER or 1-800-332-8615 (TTY)
The NCI’s Cancer Information Service (CIS) provides up-to-date cancer information to patients, their families, health professionals, and the general public. The hearing impaired may use the TTY number.
The NCI and the VA also have information about this agreement on their websites.
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