Taking part in research
Evidence shows that patients treated in research-active healthcare settings have better outcomes and receive better care, with benefits extending to patients beyond those actively involved in research studies.
Research gives us the knowledge we need to help us to live healthier lives and access to effective treatment and care when we are unwell.
Research can lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis, better treatments, recovery and care. It can even prevent diseases from starting in the first place.
The standard of treatment and care we offer today is the result of the research of the past. Research is vital to our cancer care of the future.
Every patient who takes part in research makes a difference. By sharing your experience and insights, by allowing your health data and samples to be studied and by agreeing to be part of developing new treatment, you are advancing our knowledge of cancer.
Together, we can drive lasting improvement in healthcare.
What our patients tell us
Talking to our patients, there are lots of reasons why they decide to take part in research.
One common theme is hope. More people are living longer with some types of cancer due to advances in screening and treatment and patients recognise that this is the result of research in the past. Seeing the evolution of cancer treatment, they say they want to take part in research to pass on the hope to future generations.
Taking part in a research study can also bring hope to the individual patient. With the possibility of a new treatment or a vaccine to stop their cancer returning, patients want the chance of better health for their own good and for their families.
Whether you are considering taking part in research for yourself or for future patients, it is a good idea to talk it over with family and friends. Your doctor and nurses are happy to answer any question you might have to ensure you have the information you need.
"I can do this for other people because I must have benefited from people doing trials." Lesley Jenkins
“From a family perspective I did have concerns about being in London for six weeks…the best thing I did was take part in the trial and go to London to have that treatment.” Bethan Thomas
“I felt I was having much, much better treatment, over and above the normal. This included having additional scans which would have allowed me to have less radiotherapy.” Bryan Webber
It is a very personal decision, and we know research is not for everyone. Patients tell us that they worry about being experimented on and think they might not get other, and maybe better, treatment if they are part of a research study. You might have cultural or religious beliefs that mean you cannot take part. And some patients feel that having cancer and going through treatment is a lot to manage and they don’t want to take on anything more at a difficult time.
We encourage you to talk freely to your doctor and nurse if you have been offered the opportunity to take part in a piece of research but are not sure if it is for you.
Please be assured that whether you decide to take part or not, you will receive the best treatment available for your condition.
How to take part
If you would like to take part in a research study please talk to your clinical team who can talk to you about current research studies and whether you might be eligible to take part.
Before you agree to take part in a trial your team will explain to you the risks and benefits of getting involved and what is involved, for example how often you need to come to hospital and what tests you will need to undergo. You will also be given an information sheet to take away and read in your own time.
If you decide not to take part in research, your care will not be affected. You can choose to withdraw from a research study at any time and if you do, you will still receive the best treatment available.
“It's the thing we've got to do - we've got to keep pushing forward because it's grim isn't it, cancer.” Jane Henderson
We have more detailed information If you are interested taking part in a clinical trial
Watch some short videos of our patients who have chosen to take part in research at Velindre