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Clinical Trials Glossarywhat to Ask Your Doctor
You will probably want to talk with your doctor and the other members of your medical team about the risks and benefits of participating in a breast cancer clinical trial.
Some doctors are very supportive of clinical trial participation; others may not be. If you find that your doctor is, in general, unreceptive to the idea of your entering a breast cancer clinical trial, or has concerns about your entering a specific trial, you may want to consider seeing another doctor for a second opinion.
Remember: The decision to enter — or not enter — a breast cancer clinical trial is completely up to you.
These are some of the questions you may want to ask your doctor about a trial you are interested in or that your doctor has recommended:The Breast Cancer Trial
- What do you know about this trial?
- What should I ask the trial coordinator?
- Do you have other patients who have enrolled in this trial?
- Are there other trials besides this one that I should consider?
- What would my treatment be if I didn't enter the trial?
The Trial’s Risk and Benefits
- What are the possible short-term benefits?
- What are the possible long-term benefits?
- What side effects might I experience?
- Are there treatments to alleviate side effects?
- Are there any potential long-term risks?
- How do the potential benefits compare to other treatment options?
- How will the trial and its possible side effects affect my daily life?
The Trial’s Participation Requirements and Care
- What tests, procedures, and treatments will I have during the trial?
- How do these tests, procedures, and treatments differ from those I would have if I didn't take part in this trial?
- Where will these tests, procedures, and treatments be done?
- Will I still see you - my own doctor - on a regular basis?
- Who will monitor my care and safety?
Tips for Talking to Your Doctor
- Consider having a friend or family member with you to take notes or help ask questions.
- Consider recording the conversation so you can review the answers at a later date.
- Prepare your questions in advance, and write down your doctor's answers.
- Tell your doctor if you are having trouble understanding an explanation, description, or unfamiliar word.
You may also want to review Questions for Researchers.