Hello,

As breast cancer patient advocates, we understand how confusing it is to be diagnosed with breast cancer and be faced with the many options regarding treatment. You may also have been asked to participate in a research study. Because of this, we want to share with you how new advances for breast cancer are developed and how you can take part in the process.

Virtually all of the improvements in cancer care have occurred because of something called a "clinical trial." The term "clinical trial" may sound a bit intimidating, but it is simply a research study that carefully tests new ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat diseases like breast cancer. These studies are critical because there is still so much that isn't known about this disease.

There are many active research areas in breast cancer. In the table below, we list several of them and give examples of specific study topics for each:

Research Area	Examples of Study Topics
How to prevent breast cancer	Nutrition, exercise, environment, drugs
How to detect cancer early	Blood tests, digital mammography
How to treat cancer more effectively	Lumpectomy, new ways to give radiation and chemotherapy, gene therapy, vaccines
How to treat side effects	Anti-nausea drugs, acupuncture
How to prevent recurrences	Drugs, diet, life-style choices
How to help patients live with cancer	Support groups, imagery, alternative medicine

There are advantages and disadvantages to participating in a clinical trial. Advantages might include receiving treatment that is not commercially available, receiving more thorough follow-up care, or experiencing treatment that is given in a more effective way than with standard therapies. Disadvantages might include more doctor visits, additional tests, or increased costs (although such costs are usually covered by the trial budget or by insurance).

We believe it is important for you to understand all of your options as you decide upon a treatment plan. UCSF shares this belief and is working hard to provide options for each of their breast cancer patients. If you are interested, UCSF can provide a list of clinical trials that might fit your particular needs at the UCSF Breast Care Center or at other sites in the Bay Area.

We want you to make the best decision for your particular condition. If you want information about a specific clinical trial, please call the clinical trials manager at the UCSF Breast Care Center (see phone list). We also invite you to learn more about cancer research, adn how you can help by contacting Peggy Devine.

Wishing you the best,