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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
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Clinical trials are designed to make the risks as low as possible and the benefits as great as possible to all the people who take part, whichever treatment they get.
Taking part in a trial means that you may be given a new treatment that works better than the standard treatment.
You will also be helping doctors find out what treatments may benefit future patients.
When you take part in a trial you’ll be monitored carefully during and after the study. Your doctors will probably want you to have regular tests, such as blood tests, and you may be asked some extra questions about how you’re feeling. This careful monitoring means that any changes in your health – whether or not they are related to the treatment you’re having – can be noticed and dealt with earlier than if you weren’t in a trial.
With any clinical trial there is always a small risk that the treatment could harm you or that you could experience side effects that are unpleasant or unexpected. During the trial, researchers make every effort to minimise these risks|.
Attending the hospital can be tiring and the extra travel may cost a lot of money.
Ask your doctor how many extra visits will be needed and think about how convenient this will be for you. You can also ask if the research trial will pay for your additional travel costs, and how you can claim.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.