Screening trials also study ways of identifying conditions that may develop into cancer. Cancer screening trials are important because, for some types of cancer, detecting and treating the disease at an early stage can result in an improved outcome. There may be more treatment options, fewer cancer deaths, and fewer diagnoses of advanced stage cancers as a result of a successful cancer screening trial. However, screening tests do not always improve health outcomes. Some may actually cause harm.
Clinical trials are the best way to directly compare the benefits and risks of screening tests.
These studies take place in doctors offices, cancer centers, other medical centers, community hospitals and clinics, and veterans and military hospitals in cities and towns around the United States and in other countries. Men and women of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds take part in cancer screening trials. Pros Cancer screening trials are designed to answer important medical questions and help researchers learn more about cancer screening. People in the trial receive regular and careful medical attention, so some health problems may be found early. If the screening test being studied is found to be effective in reducing the chance of dying from that disease, some people in the trial are likely to benefit.