Cancer Treatment Research

Doctors all over the world are conducting many types of cancer treatment studies (clinical trials) in which people volunteer to take part. Research has already led to advances in the prevention, detection, and treatment of breast cancer.

Doctors continue to search for new and better ways to treat breast cancer. NCI is sponsoring many studies with women who have breast cancer, such as studies that combine surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and radiation therapy.

Even if a woman in a research study doesn't benefit directly from the treatment under study, she may still make an important contribution by helping doctors learn more about breast cancer and how to control it. Although research studies may pose some risks, researchers do all they can to protect their patients.

If you're interested in being part of a research study, talk with your doctor. You may want to read the NCI booklet Taking Part in Cancer Treatment Research Studies. It describes how treatment studies are carried out and explains their possible benefits and risks.

NCI's website has a section on research studies at http:// www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials. It has general information about research studies as well as detailed information about specific ongoing studies of breast cancer.

NCI's Cancer Information Service can answer your questions and provide information about research studies. Contact CIS at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) or at LiveHelp.