Clinical trials are research studies that help doctors find new and better ways to treat diseases. Before a new treatment or medicine can be approved for regular use, it has to be carefully tested to make sure it’s safe and works well.

Joining a clinical trial is a personal choice based on your health and specific situation. If you’re thinking about taking part in a study, your doctor will give you all the details and answer any questions you have. You’ll have the chance to talk through your options and decide what’s best for you.

Clinical trials take new treatments that showed promise in the lab and test how well they work in people. The goal is to see how effective the treatment is and what side effects it might cause. These trials are one of the last steps before a new treatment can be approved by the FDA for regular use.

Start by talking with your doctor to see if a clinical trial might be a good fit for you. You can also explore clinical trials happening across the country by visiting the National Cancer Institute website or searching ClinicalTrials.gov.