Why Participate in a Clinical Trial or Research Study?
Participating in a study is one of the greatest and most fulfilling ways to give back to your community. In research, communities are classified in a variety of ways including people with the same disease, those who are healthy versus those who are not, people living in a specific geographical location, and even people of the same sex, age, or ethnic group. These characteristics are a strong component in the foundation of any clinical trial. Treatments prescribed during a clinical trial are considered experimental as they have not been approved by the FDA. Though there are risks associated with every new treatment, doctors and researchers conducting clinical trials take every step necessary to ensure that study participants are safe. For people who have been diagnosed with life-threatening or chronic illnesses, clinical trials offer the chance to try a new treatment. This is especially beneficial for those who have had little or no success with the standard FDA-approved treatments. Ano