April is Clinical Trial Awareness Month

April 1, 2013 - April 2013 marks Iowa’s third annual observance of Cancer Clinical Trials. The observance is an effort by the Iowa Cancer Consortium (ICC) and its more than 150 members to promote awareness of Cancer Clinical Trials and their role in reducing the socioeconomic burden of cancer in Iowa. The June E. Nylen Cancer Center is a member of the Iowa Cancer Consortium.Clinical trials are research studies that test how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis or treatment of a disease. Cancer clinical trials help researchers and health professionals understand what cancer is, and play an important role in developing new approaches to cancer prevention and treatment.In addition to helping scientists learn more about cancer, patients participating in clinical trials have access to often promising treatments that are not yet available outside of a clinical trial setting. Results of individual trials may also positively affect others who seek cancer treatment in the future.An Iowa law signed by former Iowa governor Chet Culver on February 23, 2010, may help more Iowans with cancer take part in clinical trials by requiring Iowa’s private health insurance companies to cover the cost of routine medical care for cancer patients participating in clinical trials.The Iowa Cancer Consortium (ICC) coordinates the efforts of hundreds of individuals and organizations working together to conquer cancer. Formed in 2001, the ICC developed a comprehensive state-wide plan that includes strategies designed to improve disease prevention, early detection, research, survivorship and quality of life for people affected by cancer. More information is available online at www.CancerIowa.org.The clinical trials at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center are governed by the National Cancer Institute and are the same as those at other recognized cancer treatment facilities, including Mayo Clinic, MD Anderson and John Hopkins.