Aging Gracefully by Evelyn D. DeLoatch, CFCS Family and Consumer Agent

Clinical Trials

The second leading cause of death in people 65 and older is cancer.

Less than 3% of the adult cancer population participate in clinical trials. The medical research provided by clinical trials in detecting, treating and preventing diseases is invaluable if we are to continue the medical advances experienced in the previous years. Many people fear involvement in clinical trials because of the fear of experimentation, and others view it as a last resort. Three of the five most common myths about clinical trials are:

1. People who participate in clinical trials are guinea pigs.
   Each clinical trial must be approved by the organization that sponsors the study and the Institutional Review Board at each study site.

   Drugs used in clinical trials are untested.

   The use of new drugs is reserved for patients whose disease is resistant to standard treatment and patients who voluntarily express an interest in a new agent trial. These new drugs have been screened and tested before the U. S. Food and Drug Administration, who grants approval for use in clinical trials.

   People who participate in clinical trials can't afford "regular" treatments.

   Many people from various economic backgrounds, and for various reasons, participate in clinical trials.

Clinical trials along with self-education can help family members become more knowledgeable as well as help others.