Booklet: What You Need to Know about Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer Research

Scientists at hospitals and research centers are studying the causes of skin cancer and looking for new ways to prevent the disease. They are also exploring ways to improve treatment.

When laboratory research shows that a new prevention or treatment method has promise, doctors use it with people in clinical trials. These trials are designed to answer scientific questions and to find out whether the new approach is both safe and effective. People who take part in clinical trials make an important contribution to medical science and may have the first chance to benefit from improved methods.

People interested in taking part in a trial should discuss this option with their doctor. Taking Part in Clinical Trials: What Cancer Patients Need To Know is a National Cancer Institute booklet that explains some of the possible benefits and risks of such studies.

One way to learn about clinical trials is through PDQ, a computerized resource developed by the National Cancer Institute. This resource contains information about cancer treatment and about clinical trials in progress all over the country. The Cancer Information Service can provide PDQ information to patients and the public.

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