Research studies are essential to the goal of curing breast cancer, but they require many participants in order to learn what will help more women. We are providing this information with the hope that it will encourage you to consider a research study, and help doctors to treat women with breast cancer or those at increased risk more effectively. Recent advances, particularly in detection, therapy, and side effect management have helped more women with breast cancer live longer. Yet despite these advances, over 177,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and 44,000 women will die. You can plan an important role in helping to answer these questions by considering a research study.
Most trials enroll patients at multiple locations.
This committee makes sure that you are not being asked to take unnecessary risks. Before you enroll in a research study, a person will describe the study to you in language that you can understand, including possible risks and benefits. Please ask all the questions that will help you understand why your doctors are doing the study and what you will be expected to do. Keep asking until you feel comfortable about participating. When your questions have been answered to your satisfaction, you will be asked to sign a consent form confirming that you are willing to participate in that one specific study.