What is it like to be a patient in a Clinical Trial?
Whether cancer patients are in a research study or not, they face a new world of medical terms and procedures. For some people, myths and fears of experimentation or of being a guinea pig come with the idea of clinical trials. And, surely, there are fears of the unknown. Understanding what is involved can ease some of your anxieties. Patients in a clinical trial, for example, receive their care in the same places that standard treatments are given-at cancer centers, hospitals, clinics, or doctors’ offices. Because a growing number of cancer specialists are now in private practice in the community, most cancer care can be given in an area near your home.Doctors, nurses, social workers, and other health professionals from many different specialties may help care for you. They are working together for your good. There is consideration for your privacy and well-being. If you join a research study, you will be watched closely and data on your case will be carefully recorded. You may receive
Whether cancer patients are in a research study or not, they face a new world of medical terms and procedures. For some people, myths and fears of “experimentation” or of being a “guinea pig” are associated with clinical trials. And, surely, there are fears of the unknown. Understanding what is involved can ease some of your anxieties. Patients in a clinical trial, for example, receive their care in the same places that standard treatments are given; cancer centers, hospitals, clinics, or doctors’ offices. Because a growing number of cancer specialists are now in private community practice, most cancer care can be given in an area near your home. Doctors, nurses, social workers and other health professionals from many different specialties may help care for you. They are working together for your good, and there is consideration for your privacy and well-being. If you join a research study, you will be watched closely and data on your case will be carefully recorded. You may receive mo
