The decision to participate in clinical trials varies among individuals and offers numerous benefits. By joining a clinical trial, volunteers contribute significantly to scientific and health care advancements. When considering treatment options following a cancer diagnosis, it’s worth considering enrolling in a clinical trial. Despite initial apprehensions, clinical trials can offer substantial advantages regardless of the type or stage of cancer you’re dealing with. Five benefits of participating in a clinical trial include:
Access to cutting-edge treatment for the disease
Clinical trials often provide access to innovative treatments or therapies that may not be available outside of the trial. Some of which are among the latest innovations, are exclusively accessible through participation in clinical trials.
Receive low-cost or free treatment
Often patients are not responsible for covering the costs of clinical trial medications; instead, these expenses are typically absorbed by the research team. While there may be additional expenses such as travel or imaging services not included in the study, for most patients, clinical trial therapies are comparable in cost to traditional treatments.
Before enrolling in a trial, consult with your insurance provider and medical team to anticipate potential expenses. Many cancer centers offer the support of social workers and financial counselors who can assist in this regard.
In some cases, you may receive compensation. A few clinical trials may offer compensation for both your time and travel, which can assist in easing the financial strain of transportation costs and compensating for the time volunteers invest at the clinic.
Helping Black science and research advance
Engaging in a clinical trial plays a pivotal role in propelling medical research forward and aiding in the creation of new treatments for Black patients in critical need. By participating, volunteer involvement has the potential to pave the way for the discovery of improved, more effective, and cost-efficient treatments in the years to come.
Participating in clinical trials offers you the opportunity to enhance the lives of others. Even if the treatment does not yield the desired results for you personally, it could still benefit others like us. Regardless of the outcome, your involvement contributes to the accumulation of crucial data for both science and healthcare. This information has the potential to advance understanding of various health conditions and facilitate the development or enhancement of treatments.
Learn more about your particular disease or health condition
By participating in a clinical trial, it opens up avenues to broaden your treatment possibilities and deepen your understanding of managing your condition. Participation in many trials entails undergoing tests and assessments, including blood tests and medical imaging (scans), before and throughout the trial. This process provides insights into your specific condition or overall health status.
To learn more about clinical trials, discover our Clinical Trials Resource Center.
