15 Nov How Do Black People with Cancer View Clinical Research?

By Nadia Jaber, National Cancer Institute

Findings from a small study suggest that more Black than White, Asian, or patients of other races distrust medical research and have spiritual beliefs about medical research. The study asked about 100 people being treated for cancer whether they agreed with certain statements about research.

The findings may help research staff talk with and recruit more Black patients for clinical trials, said the study’s leader, Charlyn Gomez, a medical student at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Black people make up about 14% of the U.S. population but only 5% to 7% of clinical trial participants. Clinical trial participation is important because it provides people with the opportunity to access emerging cancer treatments, tests, and approaches to improving cancer care. Read more…