Participation in a breast cancer clinical trial allows the patient to receive expert medical care by leading physicians in the field of cancer research, and gain access to new drugs or treatments not available on the market. Participants will be closely monitored and evaluated for any side effects. In many cases, medical treatment, including administration of medication and follow-up testing and other care, is often provided at no cost to participants.

People that are unfamiliar with cancer clinical trials tend to believe that a placebo (or non-active drug) is sometimes administered in the control group. However, this is a myth - in all cancer trials, the new treatment being tested is always evaluated against the current "standard of care," or best treatment currently available - so all cancer patients in a clinical trial are assured of receiving an active drug.

The subject of clinical trials is an important topic for discussion between breast cancer patients and their doctors. Patients should be aware of all available treatment options and can work with their health care team to make an informed treatment decision.