6593 Background: Clinical cancer trials allow investigators to test the effectiveness and safety of new cancer drugs and treatments. Historically, fewer that 5% of cancer patients have participated in clinical trials. The purpose of this study was to assess attitudes, beliefs, and practical barriers to clinical trial recruitment. Methods: Women were recruited in the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center while waiting for routine breast screening or for oncology care in connection with a diagnosis of breast cancer. The 29-item survey questionnaire covered demographic factors, prior cancer diagnosis or risk factors, past experience with clinical trials if any, willingness to participate in different types of trials, and attitudinal and practical barriers to participation. Results: Of 329 respondents, 48.9% were non- Hispanic white, 10.9% non-Hispanic black, 34.9% Hispanic, and 5.30% other/unknown. The mean age of participants was 52.5 (SD=12.1). Of 131 (39.8%) participants reporting that they had been asked to participate in clinical trial, 82 were white, 17 black and 32 Hispanic. Of those who enrolled, 64 were white, 14 were black, and 19 Hispanic. Of those asked to participate 56/63 breast cancer patients (88.9%) and 44/68 others (64.7%) enrolled (P=0.002). Of 48 who reported that they had child care responsibilities, 33 enrolled (68.8) compared to 67/83 (80.7%) of those without such responsibilities (P=0.07). Of the total sample, 88/220 (40.0%) of those without childcare responsibilities but only 32/109 (29.4) said they would be willing to participate in a placebo-controlled trial. Respondents were twice as likely to say they would participate in a trial comparing two active agents as a placebo-controlled trial. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that being asked to participate in a clinical trial may be associated with demographic factors, and that specific circumstances, such as child care responsibilities, may also affect trial participation. Awareness of these barriers may help investigators to develop effective strategies for overcoming them and for improving trial participation overall. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
The impact of socio-demographic factors on the survival of cancer patients in Zimbabwe
