Basic Workbook: Preface
Scientific discoveries are providing more and more
insights into the causes of cancer. Many of these successes
are limited to the laboratory and have yet to be translated
into improved care for people with cancer.
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Clinical trials are a critical part of the research process.
Clinical trials help to move basic scientific research from the
laboratory into treatments for people. By evaluating the results of
these trials, we can find better treatments and ways to prevent,
detect, and treat cancer. But very few adults with cancer - only 3
percent - participate in clinical trials. We need to test the best
cancer prevention, detection, and treatment ideas in the shortest
time possible, and this can only happen if more people participate in
clinical trials.
We know that most people understand very little about clinical
trials. National Cancer Institute (NCI) research has shown that the
general public is either unaware of clinical trials as a treatment/
prevention option or misinformed about the clinical trial process.
The reasons for this lack of understanding are complex, and there is
no simple solution. We do know, however, that there are many barriers
that discourage both physicians and potential participants from
taking part in clinical trials.
By reading this workbook, you are already helping to overcome some
of these barriers. Whether you are a cancer survivor, someone who
works with people with cancer, or someone who is touched by cancer in
another way - this workbook can help answer your questions about
clinical trials. It will help you understand why cancer clinical
trials are important, how they work, how participants' safety is
protected, and some of the reasons why more adults don't participate
in trials.
With this information, you can help people in your community make
informed decisions about their cancer treatment and prevention
options, including the option of participating in a clinical
trial.
This workbook is designed to complement the other materials in the
NCI Clinical Trials Education Series. Each section of this workbook
features information about different aspects of clinical trials,
usually followed by an exercise or questions. Because each section
builds on the one that precedes it, it is strongly recommended that
you complete each exercise to enhance your understanding of the
concepts before moving on to the next section. Some of the exercises
expand on concepts introduced in the text. If you are working within
an organization, you may wish to read the material on your own and
review the exercises with other members of your organization.
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