Clinical trials are underway to develop better ways of preventing, detecting and treating colorectal cancer. Answers to common questions about clinical trials and where to find them are discussed below.
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is one of the final steps in the extensive research process for confirming the effectiveness of new medical advances. These trials are crucial not only for finding ways to better treat colorectal cancer, but also to find improved ways of detecting it early and preventing it in the first place. How do I find a colorectal cancer trial?
Your health careprofessional can help you locate colorectal cancer trials you are eligible to join and can help you enroll in a study. Remember that the types of trials you are eligible for will depend on your medical history. Cancer prevention trials typically enroll people who have not had cancer (and may have higher cancer risks), while treatment trials involve a group of patients who have the same type of cancer.
In addition to speaking to your health care professional, you can also learn about clinical trials for colorectal cancer on the Internet. The following Web sites can serve as good starting points: