Think Pinker

If you are interested in finding a cancer treatment trial there are 10 steps. We’ll cover the basics but for full details visit the National Cancer Institute.

Participating in clinical trials could potentially benefit you and many suffering from breast cancer feel even if it doesn’t benefit them directly the research may benefit someone else in the future. Of course you will need to work with your doctors and team of health care providers to determine if this is an option that is right for you.

Many of the breast cancer trials will only take participants that have not yet undergone any treatments. You’ll want to talk with your doctor about how long you have to decide if this is right for you. Other clinical studies are testing follow up treatments. The key is to match you and the potential trials.

Let’s have a brief look at the ten steps.

1.    Understand clinical trials and why you think you would like to participate in one. Review the trial you are interested in to ensure you understand what it’s really about.
2.    Talk with your doctor – this is actually the real starting point of everything.
3.    Complete the diagnosis checklist – there will be questions about your diagnosis as well as places for you to write your answer. If you need help ask your doctor or nurse for assistance.
4.    Next you’ll need to search the clinical trial databases. There are more than one.
5.    Search other resources that may list other trials.
6.    Make a list of trials you think you might be interested in.
7.    Get in contact with the team of that clinical trial.
8.    Ask any questions you might have.
9.    Discuss your options with your doctor.
10.    If you decide you want to join the trial contact the trial and schedule an appointment